Match Report: Barnsley 2-1 Derby County

Derby County fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat away at promotion rivals Barnsley on Saturday afternoon in their latest Sky Bet League One fixture,

Defender Sonny Bradley had given the Rams the lead with a powerful header, but a double from Adam Phillips turned the game on its head and handed the hosts all three points at Oakwell.

Key Moments

The game started at a frantic pace and the hosts were inches away from taking the lead in the opening minutes when Jordan Williams' teasing cross just evaded the boot of Devante Cole, who was outstretched in the centre of the box.

Cole then poked a half-chance wide from a tight angle as Barnsley continued to press for an early goal.

Only a heroic clearance off the line stopped the Rams from taking the lead up the other end. Captain Conor Hourihane's corner was brilliantly headed back across goal by Bradley and Eiran Cashin's header was diverted over his own bar from a defender.

But the following corner did result in Derby taking the lead with 18 minutes played. Bradley, who provided the knock across goal for the previous chance, this time powered his header into the back of the net beyond Liam Roberts.

The visitors equalised against the run of play after 33 minutes but it was an outstanding strike from Phillips that left Joe Wildsmith with no chance. A ball was half-cleared out to the midfielder some 25 yards and he hit a fine volley into the far left corner.

Barnsley started well after the half-time break and Nicky Cadden saw a volley from a tight angle comfortably held by Wildsmith.

Derby's set-pieces were causing problems throughout and Hourihane's delivery was scrambled over the bar by Roberts when it looked like it could have been dropping in, while Nathaniel Mendez-Laing had a vicious volley deflected just wide as the Rams looked to up the ante.

But it was The Tykes that were in front for the first time with just over an hour played. A corner from the right was met by Phillips who headed powerfully beyond Wildsmith for his and Barnsley's second of the afternoon.

Derby pressed for a leveller and Mendez-Laing forced Roberts into a comfortable save as the game entered nine additional minutes.

The Rams had Barnsley camped in their own half for large parts of stoppage time and Bradley saw a header again comfortably held by Roberts.

Substitute and debutant Dwight Gayle nearly made himself a hero when he hooked an effort over the onrushing Roberts but it dropped agonisingly wide of the post, although he was flagged offisde.

With time running out the Rams had a corner but with everyone, including Wildsmith, up Derby couldn't force the ball over the line and Barnsley hooked the ball away one last time to secure all three points.

The Teams

Barnsley: Roberts (GK), Williams (C), Pines, De Gevigney, Cadden (90' O'Keeffe), Kane, Phillips (87' Cotter), Earl, Cole (90' Grant), McAtee (58' Cosgrove), Connell

Substitutes not used: Killip (GK), Marsh, McCart.

Derby County: Wildsmith (GK), Hourihane (C) (60' Barkuizen), Bradley, Cashin, Bird, Mendez-Laing, Sibley (60' Gayle), Elder (76' Nyambe), Adams (89' Smith), Nelson.

Substitutes not used: Loach (GK), Thompson, Fornah.

What's Next Up?

It's a quick turnaround for the Rams who return to Sky Bet League One action on Tuesday evening when they welcome Charlton Athletic to Pride Park (7:45pm kick-off).