Fleetwood 0 Barnsley 2

Fleetwood's Jimmy Ryan chases down Barnsley 's Lloyd Isgrove. Photo: Keith Turner

Barnsley's play-off charge is firmly back on thanks to a 12th win in 15 games, this time at Fleetwood.

Both the Reds’ goals came in a second half in which they dominated to leave them in the final play-off place above Bradford on goal difference.

It was a disappointing first period at the Highbury Stadium as both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances.

Tom Grant twice went close early on for the Cod Army, on the second occasion being denied by a smart save from ‘keeper Adam Davies.

Davies also had to be alert to keep out a well-struck effort from Jimmy Ryan.

The Reds finally came to life in the closing stages of the half.

The recalled Sam Winnall had the ball in the back of the Fleetwood net, but a linesman’s flag quickly curtailed celebrations.

Adam Hammill went close after a trademark mazy run, while Ashley Fletcher nodded inches over the top after leaping superbly to meet George Williams’ pinpoint cross.

The Reds found the breakthrough two minutes into the second period, with a little help from Fleetwood.

Joe Davis headed into his own net after Winnall and Lloyd Isgrove between them forced the defender into an awful error.

The hosts almost bounced back swiftly, only for David Ball to lash a shot narrowly over the crossbar when he ought to have at least hit the target.

It was almost 2-0 to the Reds in the 79th minute, only for Hammill to be denied by a goal-line clearance.

The victory was finally wrapped up for the Reds when sub Josh Scowen headed home Hourihane’s cross with five minutes to go.