Barnsley FC burst out of the blocks at QPR to revive survival hopes

Barnsley have sat for 105 days on a seven-point deficit to make up on the coveted position above the relegation zone, knowing they would need to make a fast start to have any chance of bridging the gap in the final nine games of the season.

And they found it thanks to a second goal for the club for Elliot Simoes, their Portuguese striker, who joined the club non-league FC United of Manchester in January.

Simoes scored a fine goal after just seven minutes at QPR, latching on to Ben Williams’ through ball from just inside the opposition half to race through, take a touch and then dink the ball over home goalkeeper Liam Kelly.

Jacob Brown missed a golden opportunity to double the lead shortly afterwards and Barnsley were good value for their lead at the break.

QPR were much the better in the second half and applied large amounts of pressure on Jack Walton’s goal but Gerhard Struber’s side held on.

It was the Reds’ fourth win in six games and gives them real hope of surviving in the Championship.

The result sees Barnsley climb above Luton off the foot of the table and to within four points now of safety after Charlton defeated Hull and Middlesbrough were thrashed at home by Swansea City.