Hourihane stunner is enough to sink Monk
CONOR HOURIHANE’S free-kick proved to be the difference as Barnsley beat Leeds in a thriller of a Yorkshire derby.
The Irish midfielder – strongly linked with a move to Aston Villa this month – kept his mind on the job as the Tykes came from behind to claim the three points.
Leeds striker Chris Wood put Garry Monk’s side ahead in the 18th minute when he bundled home Pablo Hernandez’s corner.
But Tom Bradshaw hit back before the break to draw Barnsley level.
And the Tykes soon had their noses in front after the break.
Ryan Kent put them ahead with a well-taken effort on the turn in the 48th minute.
Hourihane’s pin-point set-piece beat Leeds keeper Rob Green all ends up six minutes later to give his side a 3-1 lead.
Leeds were controversially awarded a penalty by referee Mike Dean, back in the spotlight on TV.
Marc Roberts appeared to handle the ball outside the box but the ref pointed to the spot and Wood made no mistake, taking his tally for the season to 18 goals in all competitions.
Barnsley continued to threaten as Josh Scowen set about charging at the heart of the Whites defence before being halted by Eunan O’Kane, resulting in a yellow card for the Leeds midfielder.
From the resulting free-kick, Scowen again teed up Hourihane but this time his effort was just too high before another powerful effort from Leeds brought a good save out of Adam Davies.
Adam Armstrong chased hard to get on to the end of James Bree’s punt forward but was deemed to have fouled Luke Ayling in the process.
But Leeds could have snatched a late equaliser in stoppage time.
A cross from the right drifted through to Kemar Roofe who failed to hit the target from close range.
And Stuart Dallas spurned the visitors’ best chance in the final minute of stoppage time, firing wide when he let fly from the edge of the box.