Barnsley clawed their way back from a goal down to secure a crucial 2-1 victory over promotion rivals Derby County at Oakwell, closing the gap to just three points in the race for automatic promotion.

Derby, the visitors, enjoyed a vibrant start and took the lead as early as the 10th minute. Captain Conor Hourihane whipped in a corner which found the unmarked Sonny Bradley, who rose highest to head the ball past a helpless Liam Roberts, sending the travelling Rams faithful into raptures.

However, Barnsley refused to buckle and responded with a moment of individual brilliance in the 25th minute. 

Adam Phillips unleashed a thunderous half-volley from outside the box that dipped wickedly over the head of Derby goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith.

The second half continued in a similar vein, with both sides searching for the winner. The turning point arrived in the 66th minute when Phillips again got on the score sheet, nodding decisively past Wildsmith to spark joyous scenes inside Oakwell.

Derby threw everything forward in the remaining minutes, but Barnsley held firm under pressure. The visitors managed nine tense minutes of injury time, yet they failed to truly test Roberts in the Barnsley goal.

With this victory, Barnsley have sent a strong message to the top of the table. They remain in fourth place, but the gap to second-placed Derby has narrowed significantly, setting up a thrilling race for automatic promotion in the coming weeks.