Barnsley 3 QPR 2: Tykes pass early tests with Oakwell triumph

While scores of teenagers receive their A level fates this morning, Paul Heckingbottom may have to wait until May for Barnsley’s ultimate Championship grading – but his side have already earned some early-season marks of commendable distinction.

For the second home game running, the Reds scaled the heights in another eye-catching showing, with Josh Scowen’s 89th-minute winner sealing a richly deserved victory – as the hosts claimed back-to-back wins at this level for the first time since March 2014.

Home supporters showed what they made of it all in stoppage time with a rousing chorus of ‘Paul Heckingbottom, he is one of our own’ with the club’s remarkable story under the Royston man continuing at apace.

The win moved the Reds up to seventh spot and more than affirmed Heckingbottom’s belief that his side belong at Championship level and possess the players to make a discernible impression following promotion.

After his side were afforded plenty of kudos for their outstanding weekend win over Nigel Pearson’s Derby – any fears that the Reds head coach had of an ‘After the Lord Mayor’s Show’ style scenario proved thankfully groundless.

The likes of Conor Hourihane – who scored a wonderful 77th-minute free-kick to crown a real captain’s performance to make it 2-2 – and Ryan Kent again showcased their Championship talents.

Although it was an evening when the team collective massively shone through.

Dominant in the first half, the hosts also refused to lie down after Rangers converted two second-half penalties – both of which were justified decisions – to lead 2-1, with their spirit unquenchable.

Almost a year from Barnsley’s previous Wednesday night appointment at Oakwell – an engrossing televised cup tie with Everton – no-one present was short-changed following a highly-entertaining contest against previously unbeaten Rangers, who would have gone top with victory.

Given the amount of energy that his side expended at the weekend, when Derby were hassled and harried continually, Heckingbottom would have been forgiven for wondering if his side could back up their high-octane efforts.

He need not have worried with Barnsley producing a replication by flying out of the traps with intent.

They laid down a instant marker when Kent’s drilled first-time shot was beaten away by Alex Smithies following Aidy White’s low cross and it set the tone.

From the following corner, the hosts were ahead with Hourihane’s hanging flagkick headed towards goal by Marc Roberts, with Marley Watkins reacting quickest to nod the ball home from close range – his first goal at Oakwell since February.

A glancing Scowen header almost made it 2-0 following a free-kick from Hourihane as the Reds went for the jugular early on.

Rangers, who struggled to get a toehold in proceedings for most of the half, hung on grimly and went close to a flattering leveller in the 37th minute when Tjarron Chery’s fine curling free-kick clipped the bar after Scowen felled Yeni Ngbankoto.

It was a warning to Barnsley, but the sanctuary of the dressing room will have certainly been welcome for the visitors.

The mood of Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink will have significantly improved moments into the second half when his side were handed a penalty 18 seconds in.

There were no arguments about the decision with Roberts bringing down Sebastian Polter, with Chery sending Adam Davies the wrong way for his third spot-kick of the campaign.

Commendably, Barnsley shrugged off the setback, with Kent firing over before Nedum Onuoha got a vital touch to divert Hammill’s goalbound volley.

The pressure continued as Smithies blocked a rasping low drive from the outstanding Kent before Hourihane fired wide.

Despite being on top, the hosts were somewhat deflated 16 minutes from time when the visitors were awarded a second spotkick after James Bree barged over Yeni Ngbakoto and this time it was Polter who made no mistake.

But, the drama was but no means over, Hourihane levelling with a stunner three minutes later before substitute Stefan Payne set up Scowen, who fired home from six yards out.

Grant Hall was sent off in stoppage time for a second bookable offence after fouling Payne as Barnsley warmed up for forthcoming derbies with Huddersfield and Rotherham United in fitting style.

Barnsley: Davies; Bree, Roberts, Mawson, White; Kent, Hourihane, Scowen, Hammill; Bradshaw (Payne 63), Watkins (D’Almeida 82). Substitutes unused: Townsend, Yiadom, MacDonald, Moncur, Lee.

QPR: Smithies; Onuoha, Caulker, Hall, Bidwell; Henry, Luongo; Cousins (Washington 90), Chery, Ngbakoto (El Khayati 83); Polter. Substitutes unused: Ingram, Perch, Petrasso, Shodipo, Kakay.

Referee: D Bond (Lancashire).