Barnsley fought back in the second half to register a 2-1 win at struggling Crewe Alexandra.

The Reds had trailed at the break but second half strikes from Sam Winnall and Alfie Mawson ensured their good form continued in Cheshire.

With Adam Hammill suspended, following his red card at Bury on Tuesday, Marley Watkins pushed back on to the left wing.

Ashley Fletcher joined Winnall up front and Josh Brownhill came in for Josh Scowen in midfield. New loan signing Harry Chapman, from Middlesbrough, was named among the substitutes.

Fletcher had a sixth minute chance to fire Barnsley ahead. He was put through by Conor Hourihane and although his initial shot was saved by Ben Garratt it rebounded back off Fletcher and had to be cleared off the line by George Cooper.

Barnsley continued to have more of the ball but produced their next effort from a Marc Roberts' long throw. Central defensive partner Mawson rose highest but his header was easily saved.

Reds' 'keeper Adam Davies then had to deny Crewe dangerman Brad Inman.

The hosts went ahead on 32 minutes through Jon Guthrie who diverted Marcus Haber's shot past Davies in a crowded area.

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Barnsley had to improve in the second half to avoid only their second defeat of 2016 and they got the equaliser eight minutes in.

Winnall was the quickest to react to a half-cleared Hourihane corner and bundled in from a yard out. Barnsley began to threaten more after the goal and went ahead on 67 minutes through Mawson.

Fletcher had worked hard to win a free-kick 20 yards out and Mawson did the rest by smashing it beyond Garratt.

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Fletcher was then denied by Garratt after being slipped in by Brownhill who had broken from deep.

Chapman was brought on for his debut and showed some nice early touches. One move he was involved in ended with Hourihane driving straight at Garratt from 25 yards.

The young winger then hit the bar with a wonderful curling effort from the edge of the box that Garratt just got his fingertips to.

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Barnsley missed a good chance to make the points safe in the final ten minutes with Watkins poking wide from yards out after Winnall was denied at the near post.

The Reds held out to register their ninth win in 11 league games and are now just three points off the play-offs.