Barnsley started this match in positive fashion trying to play a passing game and they had the first goalscoring opportunity inside five minutes.  Betsy linked well with O'Callaghan and the right back's cross was headed goalward by Gorre but his effort was tipped away by Barnes.

A couple of half chances fell Barnsley's way as they forced a number of early corners, but on one of these flourishes forward the visitors broke away down the left.  The charge was led by ex Barnsley striker Mike Sheron who crossed low for Taylor to give Blackpool the lead against the run of play.

Barnsley then looked unsettled for a short spell and Taylor took advantage of slack marking from a corner and tucked away his and Blackpool's second. Sheron then tested Ilic with a shot from 18 yards that the Barnsley 'keeper somehow managed to palm down.

Barnsley responded with a Gorre shot from the edge of the area that flew over the crossbar and Ireland had a header deflected away for a corner.

Barnsley looked shaky after the re-start when Sheron forced a save from Ilic but they soon settled into playing neat possession football again without actually harming the visitors.

However, Barnsley's killer instinct in the final third was apparent and it came as no surprise when Gibbs was replaced by Rankin to partner Fallon up front.  Rankin worked hard and forced a number of errors with his chasing down and it was his neat one two with Fallon and then Gorre which resulted in the Dutchman being brought down in the area.  Gorre took responsibility from the spot and sent Barnes the wrong way.

It was now game on, but whilst Barnsley tried in vain to grab an equaliser they never really looked menacing in front of goal.  Gorre fired wide from 20 yards and Hayward and Kay both sent efforts goalwards but they posed little trouble to the visiting 'keeper.

Whilst the Reds bowed out of the cup at the first stage, they did not lay down and die as seen on so many occasions last year and their controlled passing football, although not damaging to Blackpool was positive to see.

Without a goalscorer it is clear that the Reds may well struggle this term but at least the new manager and coaches are approaching the game the right way.

Two goals scored in two matches, both from the penalty spot shows what is desperately needed at Oakwell.  Without funds available the fans will just have to settle for seeing the team play football for the first time in a long time.

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

Attendance 5,575.