Barnsley 2-2 Charlton

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Jordan CousinsImage source, Getty Images

Barnsley let a two-goal lead slip against Charlton to leave both sides still seeking a first win after three games of the new Championship season.

The Tykes looked to be in control thanks to a close-range strike and header from Chris O'Grady, with Jacob Mellis hitting the post in between.

But Chris Powell's men fought back, with substitute Jordan Cousins slotting home to gave the visitors hope.

Simon Church then met Yann Kermorgant's pass to fire Charlton level.

The collapse will be sure to concern Tykes boss Dave Flitcroft, but he can console himself with the knowledge that his side do have goals in them after failing to score in their first three games.

They started well and after Chris Dagnall failed to convert Scott Golbourne's cross, O'Grady was alert to ram in the loose ball.

The former Sheffield Wednesday man was proving a handful and so was Mellis, who snapped a shot against the post and Charlton keeper Ben Hamer did well to keep out Dagnall on the rebound.

Charlton's response consisted of a Callum Harriott effort which Luke Steele tipped away as the home side remained in control.

The second goal they were chasing followed as O'Grady leapt to get on the end of Mellis's cross and beat Hamer with a neat header.

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Barnsley manager David Flitcroft

It was a far cry from Charlton's 6-0 win on the same ground last season, but they quickly set about getting themselves back into the match.

Cousins was the first to contribute with 26 minutes left, picking up a half-cleared ball in the Barnsley area and slotting home.

It put Barnsley on the back foot and, with their early intent lost, Church punished them eight minutes later.

The Wales international chased down Kermorgant's lofted pass and put enough on his shot to beat Steele and the recovering Tom Kennedy.

Neither side could force a winner, but they picked up their first points of the season.

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Post-Match: Charlton boss Powell

Barnsley manager Dave Flitcroft:

"At 2-0 up we fully dominated the game but the game management was poor and they lost composure and that disappointed me.

"But the game management will come with experience and exposure. On the positive side we created a lot of chances in the first half. Charlton are a good Championship team and we have dominated them.

"Our display in the first half was as good as I have seen. The synergy between the defence and midfield was excellent but we have to be more ruthless, as at 2-0 up we felt comfortable."

Charlton boss Chris Powell:

"We fought our way back. In the first half Barnsley were excellent and they deserved to be in front.

"At half-time we could have been two or three down. But after a few choice words at half-time we went out and got our season up and running.

"When we went two down you are looking for strength and character and looking to see if the boys are up for a fight for the rest of the season and they showed that,"

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