Goal-den Brown bags big Barnsley winner at Walsall

Jacob Brown’s stoppage-time winner gave promotion-chasing Barnsley a vital 1-0 victory at struggling Walsall as the Tykes extended their unbeaten run to 19 league games.

Brown fired home amid a scramble in the Walsall area to move second-placed Barnsley five points clear of Sunderland – although the Black Cats have two games in hand.

Walsall, despite creating the game’s best chances, suffered a third straight defeat and stay in the relegation zone.

Saddlers midfielder Isaiah Osbourne saw an early 20-yard volley ruled out for a foul in the build-up by Josh Gordon, who then blazed over when clean through.

Barnsley’s only first-half chance saw Mamadou Thiam’s vicious snap-shot from 15 yards tipped over by Saddlers keeper Liam Roberts.

Walsall almost led after 63 minutes as Corey Blackett-Taylor raced into the box to slide under Jack Walton only for Ben Williams to clear off the line.

Walton then made two fine one-on-one saves to deny Gordon and ensure a seventh straight Barnsley clean sheet before Brown won it at the death.