Barnsley recorded a fourth consecutive 2-0 victory with a comfortable afternoon’s work against Burton Albion.
Two goals from the red-hot Devante Cole were enough for Neill Collins’ side in this one, the striker grabbing a goal in both halves at Oakwell.
In what was a pretty dominant display by the Reds – the scoreline could well have been greater – the visitors remained in the game but lacked clear opportunities before Cole’s second goal ended any resistance.
The opening goal came after 20 minutes when a Liam Roberts pass into midfield was wonderfully controlled by John McAtee who then flicked the ball over the defence for Cole to run onto, who still had plenty to do. The frontman took a touch, moved the ball onto his right boot and curled an effort sweetly into the top corner.
A moment of magic from Kacper Łopata saw the big man bring down the ball inside the box before attempting a bicycle kick. The strike was well hit but straight at the goalkeeper.
There was a brief opening for Burton just before half time after a rare error in the Reds backline. However, a sliding challenge from Jordan Williams prevented the shot on goal before the follow-up strike from Tom Hamer was well-saved low down by Roberts.
HALF TIME: Barnsley 1-0 Burton Albion
In the opening stages of the second 45 the away side pushed forward in search of a leveller, but it was the Reds who looked likeliest to double their lead.
Herbie Kane saw a powerful drive blocked by the arm of a Brewers defender inside the box, but the referee waved away the penalty appeals.
10 minutes later, Adam Phillips looked to be pulled to the ground, also inside the box but again, the referee saw no infringement.
With 68 minutes played, there was no need for any assistance from the officials as Cole grabbed his 8th goal in seven league games. It was a wonderfully crafted team goal, as Williams slipped the ball down the right for Adam Phillips who lifted the ball over the defender and into the path of substitute Corey O’Keeffe and his cut-back was perfectly weighted, allowing Devante to tuck home the finish from six yards.
The in-form forward looked to have completed a second hat-trick of the season soon after, but the assistant referee adjudged the striker to be offside as he finished expertly again from close range.
Another sub in Sam Cosgrove looked lively once on, and twice threatened to add a third Barnsley goal. But a nodded header fell just wide before a venomous strike from range flew just wide of the right-hand post.
So a third straight league victory, and clean sheet as Collins’ men rose to 5th in the Sky Bet League One standings.
FULL TIME: Barnsley 2-0 Burton Albion
Roberts, Cotter (O’Keeffe), Williams, Łopata, McCart, Cadden (Dodgson), Kane, Russell, Phillips (Benson), Cole (Cosgrove), McAtee (Watters).
Unused: Killip, Shepherd.