Barnsley booked their place in the second round of the FA Cup with victory over League Two leaders Port Vale.
Marc Roberts, Davis Keillor-Dunn and Adam Phillips all got their names on the scoresheet to secure victory for Darrell Clarke’s side on his return to Vale Park, while Ronan Curtis replied for the Valiants.
The League One visitors started the brighter of the two teams and went close to taking an early lead through Keillor-Dunn, who forced a decent save out of Connor Ripley shortly before sending another shot wide.
Their growing pressure told in the 17th minute as Roberts marked his 100th appearance for the Tykes, across two separate spells, by powering home a header from Corey O’Keeffe’s free-kick delivery.
Vale levelled, though, just after the half-hour mark with Curtis feinting an effort before finishing coolly past Ben Killip.
Killip produced a great save from Ruari Paton’s 20-yard free-kick shortly after the break as the hosts threatened to go ahead.
But Barnsley re-took the lead in the 64th minute when Keillor-Dunn guided the ball into the net from O’Keeffe’s cut-back.
Jon Russell came close to doubling the advantage 10 minutes later, only for his long-distance attempt to hit the top of the crossbar.
The win was sealed in the 82nd minute with substitute Phillips marking his return from injury by successfully converting from the penalty spot after Stephen Humphrys had been brought down in the box.
Match report supplied by PA Media
