Michal Helik and Cauley Woodrow help Barnsley FC edge out tricky Tranmere Rovers in FA Cup

The Polish defender, scorer of both goals in a 2-1 win over Huddersfield Town on Boxing Day, struck the only goal of the game shortly before the hour mark to seal Barnsley’s progression.

Helik headed home from close range after neat build-up play involving Herbie Kane and Luke Thomas and Cauley Woodrow added a second

It was no more than Barnsley deserved for, in the first instance, respecting the competition with the strength of the tean they named, and secondly, dominating proceeedings.

That should take nothing from Tranmere, however, who acquitted themselves well; Morgan Ferrier and Kayne Woolery carried their greatest threat with their speed and movement, and former Bradford City striker should have done better than shoot straight at Barnsley keeper Brad Collins with a first-half effort.

But Barnsley grew into the game and went close through

Woodrow and Callum Styles - two of the mainstays of the team that has risen into the top half of the Championship since Valerien Ismael took over in October.

And it was Helik who broke the resistance of the League Two side with his header on 59 minutes.

Woodrow put the seal on the win with a penalty deep into stoppage time after Thomas was fouled in the area by Jay Spearing.

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