Barnsley 2 - 0 Gillingham: First-half show enough for Barnsley to beat Gillingham

Barnsley made it back-to-back home wins with a 2-0 victory over Gillingham at Oakwell.

The home side went into the break two goals up after strikes from Ben Pearson and Sam Winnall.

Neither team created many chances in the second half and Barnsley held out for the three points.

Pearson opened the scoring in the 18th minute after an innocuous free-kick was only partially cleared. The ball fell to the on-loan Manchester United midfielder 20 yards out and he fired the ball low to Stuart Nelson's right leaving the Gills keeper stranded.

The Tykes made it two during time added on in the first half as Winnall delayed his run into the box and was there unmarked to steer the ball home from Marley Watkins' pull-back.

Watkins was inches away from scoring Barnsley's third moments into the second half as he dived to meet Reece Wabara's low cross but was unable to apply the finish.

Gillingham created few chances, their best falling to Max Ehmer who flicked on Doug Loft's free-kick but the ball rebounded off a post to safety.