Exeter City picked up all three points at Barnsley for the third consecutive season with a 2-1 win on a brisk night at Oakwell.
Ryan Trevitt gave the Grecians an early lead when he swept home after 13 minutes. Stephen Humphrys levelled the score on the breakaway, before Josh Magennis fired home to make it a happy trip back to Devon.
Manager Gary Caldwell made three changes to the side that was beaten 2-0 by promotion chasing Wrexham at SJP on Saturday. Ilmari Niskanen, Caleb Watts and Ed Francis came into the side in the place of Tony Yogane, Ben Purrington and Joel Colwill.
First Half
Both teams looked to get off to a strong start, but it was City who forced the first corner of the match after just three minutes when Pat Jones was found in space down City’s right and his cross was deflected out. Ed Francis sent in a near post-delivery which Josh Magennis flicked on, the ball ended falling to Ryan Trevitt on the volley, but his shot flew over the bar.
In the early stages Barnsley looked to put pressure on the City midfield which caused a loose ball from Francis that was incepted by Stephen Humphfrys, allowing him to drive towards the area, but his shot from a tight angle found the side netting.
The lively Pat Jones was next to test Flavell in the Barnsley goal as Caleb Watts found him out wide. Jones cut inside and drilled a low effort which was saved by the ‘keepers legs.
Moments later City’s pressure told, and it was Ryan Trevitt who finally got the goal his recent performances deserved! Several shots for City are parried by the keeper, the last by Caleb, Watts before Trevitt slots the rebound home to give City a well-deserved lead.
As the hosts searched for a leveller, Humphrys looked their biggest threat as he skilfully skipped past Jack McMillan and headed towards goal, but his low strike was saved at the near post by Whitworth.
Barnsley had a golden chance to level on 32 minutes as some calm play saw Jonathan Russell find space in the area and roll the ball across the City box, thankfully McMillan was there to clear the danger.
Everyone inside the stadium thought that City had doubled their lead on the stroke of half time as Ed Turns looked to have headed home. The goal was given initially but then ruled out to the surprise of the City bench and fans for what we think was a foul by Caleb Watts.
Right down the other end Barnsley had a chance to level with the last kick of the half. A clever free kick saw Jalo free on the edge of the box, but his shot was skied into the City fans.
The Grecians went In with a 1-0 advantage, but it could have been more.
Second Half
A fast start from the hosts saw Russell pick up the ball and drive forwards, he tried to slide in half-time sub Max Watters but there was too much on it.
City looked to hit Barnsley on the counter and almost played the perfect counter as Ed Francis slid in sub Yogane. He took a touch before his shot was deflected agonisingly wide of the post.
The resulting corner saw Niskanen and Francis have shots that were charged down and the hosts hit City with a sucker punch to equalise on the counter-attack. The final rebound falls to Humphrys who runs the length of City's half before finishing to make it 1-1 on the hour mark.
The goal sparked Barnsley into life, and it became one-way traffic. The Tykes having a great chance to go ahead but a fantastic Jack McMillan header on the line kept the score level.
Down the other end a loose back pass saw Niskanen with a chance to intercept, he got a toe to the ball but was unable to divert it past Flavell in the Barnsley goal
The introduction of Vincent Harper as a 70th minute sub gave City a more attacking outlet and some strong interplay saw Trevitt shoot at goal, but it took a deflection to give City a corner. Ryan Trevitt swung the ball in, and it fell to Ed Francis but his strike was rushed and high and handsome.
As the match was getting stretched in the latter stages, Barnsley had a chance to take the lead but a strong reaction save from Whitworth saw him save Roberts' shot on the turn through a crowd of players.
In the 82nd minute City would take the lead through a moment that was all about Josh Magennis! The Northern Irishman steals the ball of a defender inside the box, darts forward before finishing beyond the keeper to send the away end wild!
Barnsley pressed to level, the ever-dangerous Russell twisting and turning on the edge of the box before firing over the bar.
The Grecians managed the six minutes of added time well, soaking up the pressure and held on for a huge three points on the road!
Up next for City is Stockport County at SJP on Saturday, grab your tickets here!
Barnsley XI: Flavell, Russell, Roberts (c), de Gevigney (Rodrigues ’90), O’Keefee, Jalo (Lewis ’75), McCarthy, Bland (Watters ’46), Keillor-Dunn, Humphrys, Nwakali (Connell ’46)
Subs not used: Hayton (GK) Lewis, Lembikisa, Barratt.
Yellows: Nwakali ’32, de Givigney ‘43
Goal: Humphrys ‘58
City XI: Whitworth, McMillan, Turns, MacDonald, Hartridge, Niskanen (Harper ’70), Francis, Trevitt (Purrington ‘90+3), Jones (Yogane ’46), Watts (Cox ’60), Magennis
Subs not used: Purrington, K. McDonald, Cole, Oluwabori.
Yellows: Watts ’45
Goals: Trevitt ’13, Magennis ‘82
Attendance: 10,092 (188 Away)