Half-time subs David McGoldrick and Martyn Waghorn scored the goals which saw Town come from a goal behind to win 2-1 against Barnsley at Oakwell. Tom Bradshaw put the Tykes in front in the 15th minute but after a reshuffle at the break, McGoldrick volleyed home an equaliser on 53 and debutant Waghorn sealed the three points in the 70th minute as Town recorded three wins in their opening three games of a season for the first time since 2002/03.

Midfielders Flynn Downes and Tristan Nydam kept their places in the Town midfield, but Grant Ward and defender Tommy Smith both missed out.

Ward picked up a kick to the calf in last weekend’s 1-0 victory over Birmingham, while Smith missed Tuesday’s 2-0 Carabao Cup win at Luton with a sore back but it’s believed he may have suffered a hamstring injury in training.

The New Zealand international’s absence saw Jonas Knudsen continue as the left-sided centre-half in the back three with skipper Luke Chambers in the middle and Jordan Spence on the right. Dominic Iorfa and Myles Kenlock were the wing-backs with Bartosz Bialkowski in goal.

Downes, who was making his first league start, was alongside Cole Skuse in the deeper midfield roles with Nydam, making his league debut having made his senior bow on Tuesday, was ahead of them and behind front pair Joe Garner and Freddie Sears.

McGoldrick, who scored twice at Kenilworth Road, Bersant Celina, Waghorn and young defender Luke Woolfenden were among the subs.

Barnsley included new Harvey Barnes, who signed on loan from Leicester yesterday and who Town were also believed to be eyeing, among their substitutes.

The Blues won an early corner but it was the home side who created the game’s first opening. Knudsen cut out a cross from the right but only found George Moncur, whose shot was spilled by one-time Tykes loanee Bartosz Bialkowski. The loose ball reached Bradshaw but he could only head into Bialkowski’s arms.

Barnsley threatened again in the fifth minute, Bialkowski bundling a Bradshaw wide to his left and a miscommunication between the Town keeper and Knudsen allowing it to go out for a corner.

The Tykes kept up the pressure from the flag-kick with a number of Town defenders blocking efforts from home players before Bialkowski eventually held on to a cross.

But Town gradually began to make some headway and in the 10th minute Sears escaped down the right and, following good work from Spence and Iorfa, crossed towards Garner, whose flicked header was blocked at point-blank by a defender.

On 13 Barnsley had another chance from a corner, this time on their left, skipper Angus MacDonald eventually heading over.

Town created an opportunity of their own a minute later. After Nydam had sent Sears away on the left with an excellent looping pass, Kenlock crossed towards Garner but just in front of the striker and team-mates arriving at the far post.

The Blues had looked to be getting more into the game but on the quarter hour the Tykes took the lead.

After Town, who had looked shaky at the back throughout the early stages, had failed to clear the initial attack, Ryan Hedges’s overhead kick looped to Bradshaw at the far post, from where he nodded past Bialkowski.

The home side continued the pressure having gone in front and weren’t far from doubling their lead in the 22nd when Adam Hammill’s low shot following a corner was blocked just in front of the line by Garner.

Soon after, Iorfa and Sears exchanged passes on the Town right but the on-loan Wolves man was crowded out as he looked to shoot.

On 25 Iorfa, proving to be a big threat down the right, cut the ball back to Sears from the right byline but a defender put the ball behind ahead of Sears.

As the game passed the half hour mark the Blues were starting to look more confident, playing more patient football than earlier, but without having forced Tykes keeper Adam Davies into a save.

In the 38th minute Kenlock blazed well over after a corner from the right had been cleared to him 30 yards out.

There was a scare for the Blues a minute later when and Bialkowski came and failed to punch a cross from the right and Iorfa headed behind ahead of a Barnsley striker.

On 42 Moncur hit the wall after a freekick on the edge of the area had been played to him. Town immediately broke through Garner and Sears. After Iorfa had been dispossessed as he cut in from the left inside the box, Nydam crossed and found Garner, who failed to find a team-mate with a pass when he should have shot.

The Blues kept the Tykes pinned back inside their half for the following couple of minutes, but despite sending a number of balls across the box were unable to create a serious opportunity.

Barnsley will feel they should have increased their lead in the final scheduled minute of the half after they broke behind the Blues’ backline, who again failed to clear their lines. Moncur was played in on goal but Bialkowski saved down to his left. Town were still unable to end the danger and Hedges broke into the box on the left before unleashing a powerful strike which Bialkowski again did well to keep out.

After Bradshaw had shot wide from an angle on the left, referee Geoff Eltringham ended an entertaining and open first half with the Tykes deserving their lead on the balance of the game and chances created.

Indeed, they may well have felt they should have been further in front with Bialkowski having made a number of impressive saves, in addition to Garner’s clearance from in front of the line.

Barnsley had always looked the more dangerous side with the Blues never looking entirely sure of themselves at the back.

Going forward, Town had had some decent spells of possession but so far without being able to turn them into openings.

The Blues swapped new signing Waghorn and McGoldrick for Nydam and Kenlock ahead of the second half with the changes little surprise.

Town moved to 4-4-2 with Waghorn, who was making his Blues league debut, and Sears on the right and left of midfield respectively.

Town immediately began to look more of a danger going forward. Iorfa crossed from the right and Waghorn’s shot was blocked. On 47 Adam Jackson was booked for a foul on Garner on the left.

A minute later Garner sent McGoldrick scampering his way through a number of Barnsley defenders but the Town number 10 allowed Davies to see just too much of the ball as he looked to beat the keeper, who blocked.

Town were looking far more likely scorers than they had in the first half and, after Sears had shot against a defender and Iorfa had been booked for a foul, the Blues got back on terms in the 53rd minute.

Knudsen wafted over a cross to the far post from the left and McGoldrick volleyed a powerful shot past Davies to claim his third goal in two games right in front of the travelling Blue Army.

After Jackson’s overhead kick had flown narrowly wide of the Town goal, Barnsley switched goalscorer Bradshaw for on-loan Chelsea youngster Ike Ugbo on 57 before Garner and MacDonald were both spoken to by the referee following the latest instalment in an ongoing spat.

The pair clashed again in the 66th minute, Garner remonstrating with the referee after being caught late and from behind not far outside the area by the Tykes captain, who was lucky not to see a card. McGoldrick blazed the freekick well over.

Town had been the better side since the break with Barnsley rarely creating an opening. And on 70 they grabbed the lead their second half display deserved.

McGoldrick flicked on to Garner, who spotted Waghorn making a run in behind and played the ball into his fellow former Rangers man, who took it inside a defender before hitting a low left-footed shot past the motionless Davies and into the corner of the net.

Downes made way for Adam McDonnell in the 77th minute, the Blues youngster having undergone treatment on a couple of occasions during the second half. McDonnell, a sub at Luton in midweek, was making his second league appearance for the Blues, the first having been on the final day of 2016/17 at Derby.

Hammill curled a freekick into Bialkowski’s arms, before Barnsley switched Hedges for Stefan Payne and then soon after debutant Barnes for Hammill.

The Tykes began to put the Blues, who suddenly seemed unable to keep hold of the ball, under more pressure as the game moved into its final 10 minutes.

Chambers blocked a shot from the right, then Bialkowski saved well from Barnes after the resultant corner had reached the on-loan Fox at the back of the box.

But Town, with their backline looking far more organised than it had in the first half with skipper Chambers and Spence resolute at its heart, held on to secure their second Championship win of the season, in addition to Tuesday’s Carabao Cup victory at Luton. They had come from behind for the first time since the 3-2 victory at Wigan in December.

While Barnsley fans will believe they deserved something from the game having been the better side before the break. But having kept the score to 1-0 - to a great extent due to keeper Bialkowski - and changed things around at the break, the second half performance was worthy of the three points.

The win sees the Blues, who travel to Millwall on Tuesday, to fourth position in the early season Championship table - behind Cardiff and Wolves on goal difference and Nottingham Forest on goals scored - after an excellent first eight days of their campaign.

Barnsley: Davies, McCarthy, MacDonald (c), Jackson, Pearson, J Williams, Moncur, Potts, Hammill (Barnes 80), Bradshaw (Ugbo 57), Hedges (Payne 78). Unused: Townsend, Pinnock, Payne, Mowatt, Bird.

Town: Bialkowski, Spence, Chambers (c), Knudsen, Kenlock (McGoldrick 46), Skuse, Downes (McDonnell 77), Nydam (Nydam 46), Sears, Garner. Unused: Gerken, Woolfenden, Rowe, Celina. Referee: Geoff Eltringham (County Durham). Att: 12,009 (Town: 870).

Photo: Pagepix

TBT added 11:44 - Aug 13 Marcus Stewart scored on debut in that very goalmouth and we went on to get promotion. Just saying.......
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Dissboyitfc added 12:06 - Aug 13 TBT... history does repeat itself, but wont be putting any money on it !
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runningout added 12:45 - Aug 13 McGoldrick looking sharper than he has been.. Think we would do wonders if we added Tom Lawrence or someone of similar ilk
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Gcon added 13:58 - Aug 13 No, Spanishblueblood. That is not what is pathetic at all. What is pathetic is that you and your chums continue to refer those that don't agree with your 'MM Out' mantra as the 'happy clappy brigade'. You refuse to appreciate that the issue felt by many on here last season was that the owner's lack of funding was the problem and getting rid of MM was not the solution. The owner has now thrown a few shekels his way and it would appear to be working out. That should be a good thing in anybody's books. There are those that are happy to see a change in fortunes for ITFC even if they wanted a change of manager and there are those, such as yourself and those that mark up your posts, that can't move on and look forward to a loss so you can keep beating the gloom and doom drum. I know which of those two groups I would consider true ITFC fans.

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jocasaja added 14:24 - Aug 13 My only worry is the mounting injury list. We need a decent centre back to be added. looks like Webster is going to be rather fragile and Tommy Smith out for a while
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BlueandTruesince82 added 14:34 - Aug 13 Bruce. I know there is a split but he's solid and experienced, he won't cost much in wages these days, he works hard and won't mind being a squad player. Perfect cover
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Dissboyitfc added 14:39 - Aug 13 Gcon.... it is those that refused to continue with supporting blindly that has contributed to the changes.. Those that made their feelings known have helped force the change to a better footballing policy, a policy of playing some homegrown talent and Evans to invest a little. So give thanks to those that have helped to get the changes seen so far this season. because i can tell you this without the ones who have voiced their displeasure very little change would have been seen! credit where credit is due, so credit to MM and co and credit to those that have a different viewpoint and helped force change!

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Swn98 added 14:51 - Aug 13 Dissboy Dream on
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Dissboyitfc added 16:05 - Aug 13 so you think if season ticket sales werent down and there was no discontent from the fans that MM would still play youngsters ME would still be putting his money into transfers and MM would try to be attacking in his style of football, Really? face reality! If everyone was still singing super Mick McCarthy, there would be no changes as evans would be happy to along as it is. No, the unhappy supporters who love this club had had enough and we said so!

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Seasider added 16:23 - Aug 13 SWn98.-I have never done this before,but as the lone down marker to my post.Having re read it ,I am left wondering why you down marked me? Please enlighten me as I have not been unduly critical or negative.
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grumpyoldman added 16:27 - Aug 13 Swn98 did I not quote straight from your post, what part is out of context. I do not know you so how can you say I dislike you? I just don't like the holier than thou posts by some, you are entitled to your opinion and others are entitled to comment on them.
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barrystedmunds added 17:04 - Aug 13 I applaud the wins and to a certain degree, the performances; I still think we look extremely fragile at times and could be ripped to shreds against a more ruthless opposition. But it's good to see the young guys involved and a winning mentality can only bolster confidence BUT sterner tests beckon. I remain cautiously optimistic, I think!
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blueboy1981 added 17:09 - Aug 13 Grumpyoldman and Seasider - you post sensible, rational, and realistic posts. I personally commend you for it. Some people you will never get thro' to for obvious reasons, you and I, know who they are - constant self identification is always evident from them. Such people are best left to their own devices - however annoying.
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blueboy1981 added 17:20 - Aug 13 ........ don't forget folks - if we dare to say anything against ITFC - we are BUDGIES - in the eyes of some. So laughable you couldn't even make it up. Tell us all when to stop laughing - someone.
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 17:24 - Aug 13 It's true that the opposition so far has been weak, but last season we struggled against poor opposition; so I see definite signs of improvement. Yes, I do think we might get found out against stronger teams, but as long as we try to play football, I won' t be too critical. We are playing more of a passing game, even though the hoof habit hasn't been eradicated entirely. I am actually beginning to look forward to games now, rather than dreading them. Early days, certainly, but looking much better and more balanced so far.

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blueboy1981 added 17:41 - Aug 13 ....... same old down votes - Kirbmeister having changed wind direction - from posts not too long back ..... !!!! Conveniently forgot - as some do.
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milliem added 17:43 - Aug 13 I see Farke's continental duds managed to lose at home to Sunderland despite having 71% of possession. They must have been playing tippy-tappy: to you, to me, to you. Ohhh look we've just let one in, and another and another. My fan club,and Swn98's, must be seething. Which is nice.
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blueboy1981 added 17:44 - Aug 13 ....... and they consider themselves 'real supporters' - even more laughable. Happy Clappy Chappys - easily euphoric and easily pleased. What more could the Club want .... ???
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Kirbmeister added 17:56 - Aug 13 bluebore - I even get a mention even when I don't post. Personally I never look at the up and down arrows as I couldn't care less what people think. Don't worry, we're bound to lose soon, you shouldn't have long to wait. Half time yesterday you were sharpening those knives but it all went horribly wrong for you in the second half. Never mind eh!
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blueboy1981 added 18:08 - Aug 13 ........ Kirbmeister - I stated a fact - just revit your previous posts for proof. Truth hurts most of your brigade - there for ALL to see, We must not forget - we are all BUDGIES if we disagree with the forever Happy Clappy Clan. What sad people to suggest such - just because some of us want real success for our Club, which most of us have witnessed previously, and have such great memories of.

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milliem added 19:36 - Aug 13 Poor old blueboy1981 has been ripped a new one: not only have Town had a 100% start to the new season but his beloved Norfolk dumplings have been shredded by a Sunderland team that couldn't buy a win in the Premier League. Mind you the Budgies did beat the mighty Swindon Town in the diddy cup. Just about.
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cat added 19:50 - Aug 13 What's the crack with you pro MM boys. You get your own way with MM staying, so you should be happy, instead you spend most of your time antagonising other posters, bitter about something??? Swn98 AKA DARKCLOUD!! - you don't bring any value to this site imo, apart from stalking certain posters through your well used minus button. When you do post, it always has the same content, complete sh!te! BTW you did turn on MM last season, I remember it well. KirbSHISTER!!!! - you clearly called blue boy out yesterday when we equalised, and now your living in denial. Poor little you!! Lol!! You should stop trying to belittle posters who's views you don't share and concentrate on yourself. BTW, every time you post from now on, your new tag is going to stick and I will have a right proper laugh to myself, promise!! Gcon - I can't believe a man of your knowledge & intelligence (I suspect) gets caught up in all this. Your better than that imo, and your non antagonising posts are interesting with good attention to detail, but again, you seem more content interacting with posters you clearly don't like, instead of posting your thoughts, shame that one. Milliem, your not really worth commenting on in all honesty!! Well not in a constructive manner anyhow! It would however be interesting to see you make them comparison from behind the safety of your keyboard, I seriously don't think you have it in you, as you seem to have a point to prove! I doubt blue boys obscene amount of uppers would suggest anything other than a true blue! I started posting on here around last Christmas, before you comment on my posts, views or even my grammar (lol) I've achieved more uppers than all you lot put together. Do you still feel like your the real true supporters??????

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Leedsblue1 added 19:54 - Aug 13 I rarely post here but visit everyday about 5 times as my partner will tell you! I've been to many matches over the last few seasons that have been utter dross! My main issue has been Mick putting round pegs in square holes. I appreciate he's had limited resources in recent season but when the players he has got have been played out of position then that's where my frustrations have lied. I've watched poor Chambo trying his best at right back but being skinned game after game as he's not a right back. Douglas, well was Douglas. His persistence playing Gerken over Bialkowsli for a spell when we all knew Gerken was easily our number 2. But this season it's like something has finally hit and Mick has realised at last to get his finger out and listen to the fans! Chambo looks very good now he's in a back three and looks far more comfortable. Garner is what we've missed since Murphy went and is a focal point. Downes is just one hell of a find! So composed for his age and really puts himself about. Skuse has looked immense this season but he's been able to just concentrate on what he does best, the simple stuff due to what he has around him. Iorfa is so raw despite the games he's already played in his career but him and Spence link up well down the right. Bialkowski is nothing short of a rock at the back. I've been following us since about the 93/94 season and for me he's the best keeper we've had. The save when Mowatt went through 1 on 1 with him kept us in it yesterday and is typical of how important he is at the back. The first half yesterday was terrible and i thought here we go again after being very encouraged by watching us against Birmingham but.... Mick changed things beyond belief at half time which i've never seen him do before! To go 4-2-4 was daring but paid off big time. Waghorn looked a good addition and your just left praying for McGoldrick to stay fit for a season as he's that extra class we need upfront. I've been Micks biggest hater over the last few seasons but credit where it's due, he's really starting to win me over after his business in pre season and how we've started in the first 3 games. Very early days but it's the most optimistic i've been since probably the promotion season! The memories of being there and seeing Stewarts debut at Barnsley are starting to come back!

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Swn98 added 19:55 - Aug 13 I've renewed and i am looking forward to next Season especially if MM goes and if he doesn't Well!!!! grumpy old man as posted i shall explain. 1 ive renewed my Season ticket 2If MM goes i would of still renewed 3 Well we would of found out if the inners or outers were correct. events show it matters not
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Swn98 added 19:58 - Aug 13 Seasider apologise.
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