Barnsley praised for character in 3-1 FA Cup win

Barnsley's Clark Adour battles with Daniel Powell. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

The Reds took the lead inside three minutes through a fantastic strike from Jacob Brown.

Conor Chaplin found Brown on the edge of the box and he volleyed into the far corner.

Crewe hauled themselves level after Barnsley failed to clear a deep corner on 48 minutes.

Paul Green was found free inside the six-yard box by Kirk’s cross and the 36-year-old made no mistake with an easy header.

Barnsley almost restored their lead on 58 minutes through Clarke Oduor’s free-kick, which hit the bar, but they did get their second goal on 75 minutes.

Bambo Diaby nodded Oduor’s free-kick into the six-yard box where Chaplin bundled home a header.

With what seemed was the last chance of the game from a Crewe free-kick, home goalkeeper Will Jaaskelainen joined in the attack only for Kenny Dougall to clear the ball with a launch upfield.

On hand to race clear, take advantage and tuck into an empty net was Luke Thomas, who made it 3-1.Assistant first-team coach Matt Rose praised the team’s character after holding off The Alex, who have aspirations of promotion from League Two, in the second half.“We started the game very well and had a game-plan,” said Rose. “We dropped a bit after that. In the end it was quite professional and it’s job done.“These (Crewe) are a good team if you let them play and do what they’re good at.”