Crewe 1 Barnsley 2: Tykes continue climb towards play-off spots

The Reds produced an impressive second-half comeback to seal a well-deserved win against the struggling hosts.

It was a disappointing first period at Gresty Road, one which ended with the Reds a goal behind.

Crewe went in front after 32 minutes courtesy of a scrappy goal. James Jones crossed in low from the right and as Marcus Haber stabbed a shot towards goal, the ball took a deflection off Jon Guthrie before trickling past Adam Davies and into the net.

The Reds had been dictating much of the play, with the recalled Ashley Fletcher seeing an early effort hacked off the line by George Cooper.

Conor Hourihane also went close as his deflected shot flew narrowly wide.

Davies had to be alert to keep out Bradden Inman’s strike just before the hosts went in front.

The Reds levelled nine minutes into the second period.

Hourihane’s corner was not cleared and Sam Winnall darted in to poke home his 18th goal of the campaign from close range.

The Reds went in front midway through the second half.

This time Mawson produced a superb finish as he curled a free-kick into the bottom corner from well outside the box.

Debutant substitute Harry Chapman saw a late shot tipped onto the crossbar by Ben Garratt as the Reds coasted to victory in the end.

Crewe Alexandra: Garratt, Turton, Bakayogo, Nugent, Guthrie, Cooper, Jones, Fox (Ainley 77), Inman, Haber, Hitchcock (Kirk 70). Unused substitutes: Ray, Richards, Saunders, Ng, Howell.

Barnsley: Davies, Bree, Roberts, Mawson, George Williams, Watkins, Hourihane, Brownhill, Isgrove (Chapman 73), Fletcher (Tuton 90), Winnall (Scowen 90). Unused substitutes: Smith, Nyatanga, Townsend, Khan.

Referee: S Stockbridge (Tyne & Wear).