Barnsley FC 1 Watford FC 0: Alex Mowatt's stunner extends Valerien Ismael's perfect start

A stunning long-range strike from Alex Mowatt handed Barnsley a second Oakwell victory in as many matches under new manager Valerien Ismael.
Alex Mowatt netted a stunning long-range strike to break the deadlock at Oakwell. Pictures: Getty ImagesAlex Mowatt netted a stunning long-range strike to break the deadlock at Oakwell. Pictures: Getty Images
Alex Mowatt netted a stunning long-range strike to break the deadlock at Oakwell. Pictures: Getty Images

The Reds skipper blasted home the only goal of the game early on as Saturday's triumph over a Watford side packed with Premier League pedigree lifted the South Yorkshiremen up to 15th in the Championship standings.

The game was just six minutes old when Hornets centre-half Ben Wilmot attempted to pass the ball out from the back and into midfield, only for Mowatt to intercept.

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Having advanced to within 25 yards of goal, the Reds midfielder took aim with his left foot and unleashed a strike which fizzed into the away net via the top of Ben Foster's right-hand upright.

Callum Styles challenges Watford's Kiko Femenia.Callum Styles challenges Watford's Kiko Femenia.
Callum Styles challenges Watford's Kiko Femenia.

The visitors wasted little time in trying to get back on terms, Ismaila Sarr showing his class with a clever run and cross from the right which Joao Pedro was unable to finish off as Jack Walton dived bravely at his feet.

The home custodian showed good awareness and flawless handling on three other occasions as Watford continued to find time and space to deliver balls into dangerous areas, though with Barnsley defending their box well, clear chances were at a premium.

At the other end, Mowatt's perfectly-weighted clip over the top of the Hornets' back-line found Connor Chaplin, who cushioned the ball first-time into the path of Dominik Frieser, though the Austrian's finish was wayward.

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Callum Brittain then got free down the Reds' right and picked out Chaplin with an intelligent low centre, however the latter's finish was tame and straight at Foster.

Ismael's men were good value for their slender advantage at the break, though they never really got out of second gear as an attacking force after half-time.

It was Watford who made most of the running and they could have been back on terms after 57 minutes.

And it came as little surprise that Sarr, Barnsley's tormentor in chief during the first period, was the man to again open the hosts up down the right flank, using pace and trickery to reach the byline before cutting back for Tom Cleverley to blast a glorious opportunity high and wide of the far post.

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The Reds' one decent chance of the second 45 then arrived as the ball dropped for substitute George Miller inside the box, but with just Foster to beat, he pulled an unconvincing effort across the face of goal and wide of the mark.

At the other end, Wilmot seemed certain to equalise with a near-post header from a left-wing corner, only to head the ball into the turf and over the top when it looked easier to score.

Then, with 75 minutes on the clock, Watford counter-attacked following a Barnsley corner and only a crucial intervention from Clarke Oduor prevented Sarr's attempted pass from reaching Pedro, who would have been left with a clear run on Walton's goal.

The visitors kept coming in the final stages and continued to try and turn the screw, though the Reds remained resolute and were able to see the game out, recording their second Championship win of the season in the process.

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Barnsley: Walton; Sollbauer, Helik, Andersen; Brittain (Oduor 46), James (Kane 73), Mowatt, Styles; Chaplin, Schmidt (Miller 58), Frieser. Unused substitutes: Collins,Thomas, Simoes, Halme.

Watford: Foster; Femenia, Cathcart, Troost-Ekong (Gray 76), Wilmot, Sema; Cleverley (Hughes 82), Capoue, Chalobah (Garner) 66; Pedro, Sarr. Unused substitutes: Bachmann, Ngakia, Quina, Kabasele.

Referee: M Donohue (Greater Manchester).

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