Blackburn Rovers 5 Barnsley 2: Red card proves costly for Tykes
Dale Jennings was not involved despite being free after a three-match suspension for his opening day sending off. Defenders Lewin Nyatanga (hamstring) and Martin Cranie (knee) missed out. New signings Paddy McCourt and Marcus Pedersen were named substitutes.
It was an explosive start to the game.
Chris Dagnall put the visitors in front with his first strike of the season, only for Jean-Yves Mvoto to be red carded and reduce Barnsley to 10 men.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAlmost immediately, the hosts were level when Tom Cairney equalised.
Former Huddersfield striker Jordan Rhodes then put Blackburn in front with a brace of goals before Josh King added a fourth.
Rovers netted a fifth via Todd Kane, before Tomasz Cywka netted for Barnsley on 72 minutes.