Sonny Carey scores twice as Blackpool beat Barnsley

Sonny Carey’s brace led Blackpool to an emphatic 3-0 away win against Barnsley in Sky Bet League One.

Carey’s double and Ashley Fletcher’s header in the second half moved Steve Bruce’s side up to 11th while further doubt was cast over Barnsley’s push for the play-offs.

Blackpool started brightly at Oakwell and, following a fast break, Rob Apter drew a smart save from Jackson Smith with a stinging volley.

Blackpool continued to push as Niall Ennis and Fletcher threatened.

Carey had a hat-trick of chances towards the end of the first half but the Tangerines midfielder could not find the target.

Barnsley started positively after the break, though Harry Tyrer was still to be tested, before Blackpool responded and opened the scoring in the 56th minute.

Carey struck low and hard from the edge of the box, and Smith could not keep the effort from squeezing under him.

Fletcher then doubled the visitors’ lead in the 64th minute. The former Barnsley forward rose highest at the back post to head in Albie Morgan’s deep cross.

Carey tapped home his second of the afternoon after 73 minutes after Smith denied Ennis from close range.