Barnsley claimed their first victory and scored their first goals of 2023 at Oakwell on Saturday afternoon by beating Accrington Stanley 3-1. 

All three of Barnsley's goals came inside 20 minutes of play. 

James Norwood opened the scoring for the hosts after he was set up by debutant Bobby Thomas, following an Adam Phillips freekick. Norwood fired home a bicylce-kick to give Barnsley the lead after just three minutes. 

The lead was then doubled just three minutes later. Luca Connell's long ball forward was not sufficiently dealt with by Accrington Stanley goalkeeper Toby Savin, and a poor touch meant Jack Aitchison was able to slot home the rebound on the eight minute mark. 

This meant the Reds had scored as many goals in eight minutes in one game than in the previous three games since the turn of the year. 

Things went from good to great when Barnsley's lead turned to three thanks to Jordan Williams. It was Connell again involved, and his pass found Phillips inside the box on the right, who then teed Williams to fire home. 

 

Jordan Williams sealed the three points with the third goal for Barnsley.(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Jordan Williams sealed the three points with the third goal for Barnsley.(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

 

Barnsley had plenty more opportunities to add to their three goals, but the final piece of quality was missing despite some great movements. 

Accrington were awarded a late penalty after Ziyad Larkeche was judged to have fouled Michael Nottingham. Replays have shown that perhaps it was the other way round. 

Nevertheless, the penalty was taken and scored by Tommy Leigh to leave the travelling fans with something to cheer. 

Barnsley end 2023 goal drought 

Before the match versus Accrington, Barnsley had not scored in 2023. That run included three defeats, including one in the FA Cup against Derby County. 

So it was a pleasant surprise for Barnsley fans to see not one, not two but three goals fly into the back of the net after just 20 minutes.

The Reds had not scored in 180 minutes of league action since the turn of the year. For a side chasing a play-off position it certainly was not good form.

But goals from Norwood, Aitchison and Williams meant that goalless run did not continue and Barnsley claimed their first victory of 2023.

Reds concede fifth penalty in six games 

Conceding a penalty five minutes into added time meant that Barnsley have now conceded five penalties in their last six league games, both in league and cup. 

The Reds have recently conceded spot-kicks to Derby, Bolton Wanderers and Fleetwood Town and in both matches against Accrington. They managed to avoid giving away a penalty in the match against Charlton Athletic, but still ultimately lost that game. 

 

Reds boss <strong><a  data-cke-saved-href='https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2022/01/15/1098465-cheltenham-town-1-1-charlton-athletic-debut-aneke-goal-cancels-out-nlundulu-opener.html' href='https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2022/01/15/1098465-cheltenham-town-1-1-charlton-athletic-debut-aneke-goal-cancels-out-nlundulu-opener.html'>Michael Duff</a></strong> will hope the penalty record does not continue.(Photo by Mick Walker - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Reds boss Michael Duff will hope the penalty record does not continue.(Photo by Mick Walker - CameraSport via Getty Images)

Michael Duff will be hoping it does not turn into a regular occurrence and will hope they can stop an unwanted run. 

Accrington poor defensively

Despite the injury issues they are currently facing, Accrington did themselves no favours with some of the defending at Oakwell on Saturday afternoon. 

John Coleman will be disappointed with all three of the goals his side conceded as they should be doing better. 

Accrington's captain and leader at the back Seamus McConneely was out injured and the side clearly missed his leadership skills. 

Take defeat and move on 

As disappointing as Accrington were, they should not be too downbeat over one result. A defeat against a top-six side who were relegated from the Championship last season is not going to define their season. 

John Coleman has proven Accrington Stanley deserve to be in this division and will continue to do so. While a victory or point would have been nice, realistically not many people expected them to take anything home with them.

 

John Coleman should not be too downhearted with the final result. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
John Coleman should not be too downhearted with the final result. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

 

His side should not worry too much about the final result on Saturday afternoon and look to put it right next time out.

 

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