Barnsley 2-0 Tranmere Rovers: Michal Helik goal helps send Tykes into FA Cup fourth round

Michel Helik's header and a stoppage-time penalty from Cauley Woodrow sent Barnsley through to the fourth round of the FA Cup as they edged out Tranmere.

After dominating the first half without scoring, the hosts finally broke the deadlock as a flat cross from Herbie Kane was headed in by Helik.

Woodrow sealed the tie from the spot deep into four minutes of injury time.

James Vaughan had Tranmere's best chance but his low shot was well saved by Barnsley goalkeeper Brad Collins.

• Relive Sunday's FA Cup action

That opportunity at the end of the first half followed the best move of the game from the League Two side, as Kaiyne Woolery broke down the right and crossed for Vaughan, who was denied by the legs of Collins.

It would have given Tranmere the lead very much against the run of play after Barnsley, who have produced an impressive recent run towards the Championship play-off places, went close on several occasions.

But they eventually found a goal after neat interplay on the right-hand side of the penalty area saw Kane side-foot a cross towards the far post and Helik headed down, back across goal and under the dive of Tranmere goalkeeper Scott Davies.

Then, as Tranmere pressed for an equaliser, Woodrow broke, was brought down in the area and stepped up to score his 11th goal of the season to confirm victory.

Barnsley manager Valerien Ismael told BBC Radio Sheffield:

"It was a tough game, I'm happy that we're through and it was a great afternoon for us.

"We changed in the second half and tried to become more clinical and I think we controlled the half.

"It was time for Brad to play in goal to show his quality and he made a brilliant save."

Tranmere manager Keith Hill told BBC Radio Merseyside:

"I thought the players showed magnificent bravery against a Barnsley side who went strong.

"We went with a depleted squad because of Covid-19 but our mindset was always to play the game and I thought the players responded superbly well.

"The effort was outstanding and it leaves me with a positive sense for the remaining league games."