Barnsley 2 Blackpool 1

Last updated : 17 September 2002 By Footymad Previewer

Rory Fallon grabbed his first goal for Barnsley to seal a welcome victory over Steve McMahon's high flying Blackpool side.

Fallon, who has been at the club for six years has been a bit part player, but he pounced in the 75th minute to bundle the ball over the line after a deep cross from Paul Gibbs dropped over the Blackpool keeper.

It was only Barnsley's second home win of the season and their first victory in seven outings as Blackpool's seven-match unbeaten run came to an end.

The visitors went in front after just 12 minutes when John Murphy rifled in an angled shot from after a throughball from Richie Wellens.

But Barnsley bounced back with some impressive approach work and Mike Sheron should have grabbed the equaliser after 22 minutes but pulled his angled shot wide.

It was Sheron who gave Barnsley the equaliser in the 31st minute with a splendid volley after a Mitch Ward corner was flicked on by Fallon.

Sheron might have given the home side the lead three minutes before half time when a sharp free-kick from Dean Gorre sent him clear but again the experienced striker hit his shot wide of the upright.

Ex-Barnsley winger Martin Bullock came close to giving Blackpool the edge early in the second half, but his low shot was well saved by keeper Andy Marriott.

Fallon might have given Barnsley the lead after 70 minutes, but couldn't force the ball over the line when a dangerous cross beat visiting keeper Phil Barnes.

But five minutes later he did find the mark, chesting the ball over the line as it drifted over Barnes and almost swept into the net direct from the cross from Gibbs