Barnsley 0 Peterborough 2: Posh take second Yorkshire scalp of the week
Boyd struck his second league goal of the season after just 75 seconds and strike partner Barnett notched his first eight minutes later as Darren Ferguson’s side followed up last Saturday’s surprise 3-1 win at Hull by inflicting on Barnsley their first home defeat of the season.
Barnsley striker Craig Davies, who fired four goals in the recent 5-0 win at Birmingham, hit the crossbar in the 35th minute, but Posh winger Tommy Rowe smashed a volley against the woodwork towards the end of a thrilling first half.
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Hide AdPeterborough found themselves adrift at the foot of the table after losing all of their first seven league games this season, and although they are still bottom, back-to-back wins have lifted them to within two points of fourth-bottom Sheffield Wednesday.
Posh made a flying start when defender Shaun Brisley’s header came back off the post and Boyd pounced to sidefoot home the rebound from six yards.
Barnsley had hardly had time to catch their breath when Boyd forced home goalkeeper Ben Alnwick into a fine save with an angled shot from inside the penalty area. Posh stormed forward again soon after to increase their lead. Winger Rowe swung over a cross from the left and Barnett emphatically headed home.
Barnsley defender John Stones tried to rally his side with a long-distance effort and Posh goalkeeper Robert Olejnik saved comfortably from Chris Dagnall’s header before Tykes striker Craig Davies rattled the visitors’ crossbar with a stinging 25-yard shot.
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Hide AdAs half-time beckoned Rowe’s stinging volley smashed back off the Barnsley crossbar.
Dagnall pulled a shot wide early in the second half and Posh goalkeeper Olejnik held on to another crisp shot from Cwyka. Davies headed Barnsley defender Martin Cranie’s cross straight at Olejnik in the closing stages, but Hill’s side failed to muster a late rally as Posh held on relatively untroubled.
Barnsley: Alnwick, Stones, Cranie, Wiseman, Golbourne, Dawson, Hassell (Perkins 58), Cywka, Mellis (Done 66), Dagnall (Harewood 58), Davies. Unused substitutes: Steele, Etuhu, Rose, Kennedy.
Peterborough: Olejnik ,Little, Knight-Percival, Brisley, Alcock, Boyd (McCann 88), Bostwick, Ferdinand (Zakuani 90), Rowe, Barnett, Sinclair (Berahino 65). Unused substitutes: Day, Swanson, Tomlin, Ntlhe.
Referee: C Boyeson (E Yorkshire).