Tom Bloxham should’ve put the Seasiders in front in the 23rd minute. Ashley Fletcher did well to win the ball back high up the field and find his teammate in the box, but the ex-Shrewsbury Town man took too long in releasing his shot, and gave Owen Goodman the chance to make a save.
Ian Evatt’s side were quickly made to regret not making the most of that opportunity, with a howler coming from Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
The Birmingham City man simply gifted the ball to David McGoldrick with a careless pass, allowing the Barnsley forward to finish from distance with the goal empty.
Following the restart, Patrick Kelly had a big chance to double The Tyke’s lead, but leant back as he released his shot, and put the ball well over.
The next real chance fell Fletcher’s way, as the forward levelled the scores with the help of a big deflection to beat Goodman.
Conor Hourihane’s side retook the lead in the closing stages, with McGoldrick slotting past Peacock-Farrell after a quick break up the field from the Reds.
Here’s how the Seasiders performed:
7. Jordan Brown - 5
Jordan Brown did his defensive work in front of the back three, but for long periods with the ball, but it was a pretty flat afternoon for the Seasiders midfield. Photo: Gareth Evans
8. George Honeyman - 6
George Honeyman found a burst of energy in the build-up to Fletcher's equaliser. Photo: Gareth Evans
10. CJ Hamilton - 5
CJ Hamilton made a couple of decent runs down the left, but didn't get any rewards. Photo: Gareth Evans
11. Tom Bloxham - 5
Tom Bloxham should've put the Seasiders in front before Barnsley's opener, but took too long and tried to be a bit too clever when it came to releasing a shot in the box. Photo: Gareth Evans
12. Ashley Fletcher - 6
Ashley Fletcher did create a few good chances for his teammates in the first half, before making the most of the one that came his way after the break. Photo: Gareth Evans