Leeds United 1 Barnsley 2: Victory was one of my career highlights, says Hill

Keith Hill’s side even managed to overcome the handicap of having David Perkins sent off in the closing stages to claim a first away win since August.

Leeds, who had been second best in the first half, were given a lifeline 10 minutes into the second half when Ross McCormack curled an exquisite free-kick beyond Luke Steele and into the net.

It was just the lift the home side needed, though for all their possession it was always Barnsley who looked the more likely to score the next goal.

Jim O’Brien had a great chance 13 minutes from time but chose to try and square the ball, allowing Paddy Kisnorbo to clear.

A minute later, Matt Done came within a whisker of connecting with an O’Brien cross.

David Perkins was then sent off for a second booking after fouling Andy Keogh but Barnsley held on to claim a first away win since August.

“It’s definitely one of my highlights,” said Barnsley manager Keith Hill.

“To come to Elland Road and win in the manner that we did; it’s up there. It was great to celebrate with the players and the supporters and it was a special moment for the fans.”

Defeat was hard to take for United manager Simon Grayson.

“When you look at our previous results, winning the last two away from home, then we want to build on recent games,” he said.

“We started well but without any real opportunities. They slowed the play down, we allowed Barnsley time on the ball and they have players who can hit you on the counter-attack.

“We normally have movement and opportunities at home, but today, even when we scored the goal, we didn’t work their keeper or back four enough.

“We can play a lot better than that.”

For reaction and big-match report from today’s game, read Sports Monday, free with Monday’s Yorkshire Post newspaper.