Barnsley 3 : 2 Colchester United - Barnsley edge five-goal thriller

Posted Saturday, November 15, 2014 by PA

Barnsley's surge up the Sky Bet League One table continued as they edged past Colchester, with Peter Ramage's goal proving decisive in their 3-2 victory.

Sam Winnall's early strike was cancelled out by Sanchez Watt, before Conor Hourihane's penalty and Ramage's header put the Tykes firmly in the driving seat.

Freddie Sears ensured a nervy last quarter of an hour, though, as he pulled a goal back, but Barnsley held on to claim the points.

The Reds were ahead after three minutes with in-form Winnall driving a low shot into the bottom corner of Sam Walker's goal from 15 yards for his eighth goal in eight games.

Walker then kept out Devante Cole's effort after Winnall's header picked him out, before the visitors levelled 11 minutes later with their first proper attack.

On-loan Elliott Hewitt's right-wing cross found its way through a crowd of players to Watt and he swept low past Ross Turnbull despite the attentions of three Barnsley men.

The hosts thought they had gone back in front when Ramage nodded in Hourihane's free-kick, but the linesman's flag halted their celebrations.

Danny Wilson's side did regain the lead nine minutes into the second half after Cole was felled by Sean Clohessy as he burst into the box and there was Hourihane to send Walker the wrong way from the penalty spot.

Ramage increased Barnsley's advantage as he headed home Hourihane's corner after 70 minutes, but Sears' clinically-taken 12th goal of the season reduced the deficit shortly afterwards and that completed the scoring.