John-Joe O'Toole header sees Northampton knock Barnsley out of EFL Cup
Northampton booked their place in the second round of the EFL Cup with a 2-1 win over Barnsley.
The Cobblers needed a John-Joe O'Toole header in extra time to progress after earlier coming from behind.
The visitors started brightly, enjoying success down the right wing without threatening the Barnsley goal.
The first chance of the game fell to Barnsley skipper Conor Hourihane. Adam Hammill's cross was headed out as far as the Irishman whose right footed half-volley fizzed wide.
Barnsley took the lead after 21 minutes as Hammill's free kick towards the six yard box was headed in by the unmarked Josh Scowen.
Barnsley's best chance of the second period came when Adam Smith failed to hold on to Hammill's corner, forcing Gabriel Zakuani to hook the ball off the line.
Down the other end it was Adam Davies' turn for an error, fumbling Matt Taylor's corner into the Barnsley net in the 52nd minute, drawing the Cobblers level.
The game opened up as both sides pushed for the third goal. First Hammill tested Smith with a curling shot, before O'Toole's shot from close range was smothered by the Tykes' keeper.
Level after 90 minutes, the tie went to extra time and almost immediately Barnsley substitute Stefan Payne fired a shot passed the keeper and against the bar.
Marley Watkins had the chance to steal it late on but his downward header was gratefully held by Smith.
But it was the Cobblers who got the decisive goal, O'Toole rising highest from Taylor's corner with six minutes remaining to head Northampton into the second round.
Source: PA
