BARNSLEY were back to their brilliant best in a comprehensive win away at Rochdale on Tuesday night.
The Reds, who were frustrated by a dogged AFC Wimbledon defence at Oakwell on Saturday, unlocked the home side's defence multiple times during an exhilarating first half demolition job at the Crown Oil Arena.
Kieffer Moore's headed effort struck Rochdale goalkeeper Josh Lillis's crossbar in the third minute to set the tone for the rest of the half, and crosses continued to rain into the box throughout.
Alex Mowatt was next to hit the woodwork with a typically well-placed shot, this time hitting the post.
Failing to act on the clear warnings that the Reds were in no mood for another goalless draw, Daniel Stendel's side eventually broke the deadlock in the 35th minute through Brad Potts.
With Rochdale's defence struggling to contain hitman Moore, he broke free and put in a great cross which was headed in at the far post by the 25-year-old midfielder.
Barnsley were at it again seven minutes later. With another ball in collected by Mamadou Thiam, his lay-off to Dani Pinillos proved vital with the Spaniard whipping in a measured, left-footed ball which found the head of a waiting Kieffer Moore who doubled the Reds' lead.
But the star of the show was central midfielder Kenny Dougall, who controlled the tempo of the game from the start with clever balls and delicate touches which had the Reds' loyal following cooing.
Despite Rochdale having one good period in which winger Andrew Cannon went close, the hosts rarely troubled the Reds' perfect defensive record.
After Adam Davies thwarted Ian Henderson shortly after the restart, Thiam broke down the left wing and found Moore, who beat Lillis with a well-taken finish into the right corner on 48 minutes for his second of the match and Barnsley's third, ending the home fans' optimistic hopes of a comeback.
His hat-trick came in the 68th minute. Like his second, it was all his own work and he beat Magnus Norman, who replaced Rochdale goalkeeper Lillis minutes before, again at his far post.
Stendel asked his players for a response in the pre-match press conference and told them to find a way of how to break down teams who set up to suffocate their attacking threat, as it's what will continue to happen given just how much prowess the Reds have going forward.
He got what he asked for and more.
