Barnsley opened the season with a hard earned victory over Colchester Utd at Oakwell in a match played in sweltering conditions. Match official Mr. C. H. Webster sensibly halted play on at least three occasions during the course of the match to allow the players to consume much needed water.

Barnsley, with four players making their league debuts gave a competent display despite a lack of pre-season matches due to the well documented off the field problems.

The visitors No12 Fagan was the main threat from Colchester and he was unlucky inside the opening 20 minutes when he saw a curling right foot shot rebound off a post.

Barnsley came close when Ireland saw a powerful header from O'Callaghan's cross well saved at full stretch by Brown, whilst Steve Hayward had earlier seen a well struck 20 yard free-kick saved by the Utd goalkeeper.

Barnsley took the lead early in the second half when Fallon was pulled back in the box and Dean Gorre slotted the resulting penalty past Brown.

Gorre then curled in a superb cross from the left that Fallon was only inches away from making a connection and Hayward again tested the visitors defence with another free-kick which deflected off the wall for a corner.

Andy Myers whose neat approach play and quick feet gave O'Callaghan numerous problems on the right fluffed a great opportunity to level for the visitors.  A Barnsley defender was adjudged to have handled the ball in the six yard box and referee Mr Webster pointed to the spot.  Myers took the kick and blasted the ball high over the cross bar.

It was a let off for the Reds but on the balance of play they just about deserved their win.

Kay should have added a second for the Reds but his strong run from midfield saw Brown save a relatively tame shot.

Handyside named as club captain for Barnsley was their man of the match, showing a cool head at the back, but debutants Ireland, Gallimore and Illic also showed that the Barnsley defence may prove a bit harder to breach this season.

Barnsley played the ball on the ground when they could and there were few aimless long balls up field, which will have been pleasing for the supporters.

Peter Ridsdale and Patrick Cryne were at the game, fuelling further rumours of a take-over.

Barnsley: Illic, O'Callaghan, Gallimore, Ireland, Handyside, Betsy, Kay, Hayward, Gorre, Mullighan (Gibbs) and Fallon (Rankin). 

Attendance 8,450.