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Barnsley 3-2 Leeds United: Conor Hourihane free-kick ends Whites' run as Tykes edge Yorkshire derby

Barnsley 3-2 Leeds United: Conor Hourihane free-kick ends Whites’ run as Tykes edge Yorkshire derby

Conor Hourihane's fine free-kick proved to be the difference as Barnsley beat Leeds 3-2 in a tense Yorkshire derby.

The Irish midfielder has been strongly linked with a move to Aston Villa in recent days, but speculation did not affect his focus as his goal helped seal the three points

After falling behind, Barnsley fought back to stun their Yorkshire rivals with three quick goals from Tom Bradshaw, Ryan Kent and Hourihane.

Fourth-placed Leeds did pull one back with Chris Wood's second of the game but the home side clung on to take all three points.

The hosts started the game brightly, taking the game to their opponents but with little threat to Rob Green's goal.

Pablo Hernandez broke free down the right for Leeds but his lofted cross was headed behind by the returning Marc Roberts.

From the resulting corner the visitors took the lead in the 18th minute. Wood netted his 15th league goal of the season, making a run to the near post and flicking Hernandez's delivery past Adam Davies.

Wood then almost had his and Leeds' second but his close-range header was cleared off the line.

After withstanding constant pressure since failing behind, Barnsley were almost back in the game through Roberts. The defender rose highest from Kent's free-kick but could not beat Green with a downward header.

The visitors had the chance to double their lead heading into the break, but Davies was out quickly to clear Kemar Roofe's through-ball off the boot of Wood.

The hosts went straight up the other end and levelled the game on the stroke of half-time through Bradshaw. The Welshman headed home into the far corner from Armstrong's cross.

Barnsley turned the game on its head and took the lead in the 48th minute. Kent received Marley Watkins' pass with his back to goal, turned and fired a low left-footed shot into the far corner past Green.

The home side had a third shortly after as Roofe tripped Josh Scowen, resulting in a free kick 25 yards out. Hourihane stepped up and bent the ball around the wall and past the outstretched Green.

Leeds were awarded a penalty when Roberts appeared to deflect the ball away from Wood with his hand. The striker converted the spot-kick, sending Davies the wrong way and guiding the ball into the right corner.

Leeds could have drawn level in time added on but Roofe chested wide from four yards out after diving to reach Stuart Dallas' cross.

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