October
Danny Wilson was under growing pressure after a terrible September, and moved to sign Ryan Williams on loan from Fulham and also brought Peter Ramage back for a second loan spell at Oakwell. And it was Ramage who headed the winner in October's first game at the home of former Reds manager Keith Hill, Rochdale.
The following weekend the Reds welcomed Bradford City to Oakwell for the first Yorkshire derby of the season. The visitors took the lead with 43 seconds on the clock but three second half goals including an own goal and one apiece for Sam Winnall and Kane Hemmings saw Barnsley comfortably brush aside the Bantams.
Two consecutive wins were followed by two consecutive defeats. The Reds lost out 2-1 at Peterborough despite Devante Cole giving them the lead. And three days later, they roared into a 2 goal lead at Oakwell against Notts County with goals from Cole and Hourihane but County came back to win 3-2.
The month ended with a 2-2 draw against runaway leaders Bristol City. The Reds fell behind but Sam Winnall equalised and Hourihane put them ahead from the penalty spot but Aaron Wilbraham brought City level late on.
Played 14 Won 4 Drawn 4 Lost 6 GD-2 Pts 16 Pos 15th
November
The Reds got off to the best possible start in November with a 1-0 win at Bramall Lane against Sheffield United with Sam Winnall heading the winner. On the same day, Danny Wilson brought in striker Marcello Trotta on loan from Fulham.
The FA Cup first round saw the Reds demolish Burton Albion 5-0 with a hat-trick from Winnall and one each for Hourihane and Cole which easily saw us into the second round.
Wilson's men then entertained Colchester on a Friday night. Winnall continued his fine form with another strike and after a Us equaliser, Hourihane netted from the spot and Peter Ramage headed in. Freddie Sears ensured a shaky last 15 minutes when he made it 3-2 but the Reds hung on.
Two more defeats followed after a 2-1 defeat at Chesterfield with Keith Treacy netting his first and only Reds goal. Scunthorpe then took three points away from Oakwell. Trotta put the Reds in front but a Paddy Madden double gave the Iron the win.
Played 18 Won 6 Drawn 4 Lost 8 GD-2 Pts 22 Pos 15th
December
The Christmas month began with a South Yorkshire derby at home to Doncaster Rovers and after the Reds took an early lead through Lewin Nyatanga, the visitors equalised through Theo Robinson to draw 1-1.
Chester City were the visitors to Oakwell in the FA Cup second round and after providing a massive scare, came away with a replay after a 0-0 draw.
Unfortunately, the bad results continued. Again, after taking the lead through Nyatanga, the Reds fell to pieces and lost 3-1 at Walsall. Some good news followed three days later as the Reds outclassed Chester in the FA Cup replay. Kane Hemmings and a double from Dale Jennings saw the Reds into a third round tie at home to Middlesbrough.
A comfortable win at home to Leyton Orient eased some of the pressure on Wilson with goals from Hourihane and Cole. But on Boxing Day, the Reds lost out 1-0 at Preston North End.
Played 22 Won 7 Drawn 5 Lost 10 GD-3 Pts 26 Pos 16th