Barnsley go fourth as Howard hits home

The home captain converted a 21st-minute penalty after referee Paul Taylor penalised Shaun Barker for a push on Sam Togwell, who had already played the ball out wide.

Blackpool manager Simon Grayson's mood would not have been improved by the 51st-minute dismissal of captain Michael Jackson for two yellow cards for overly-robust tackles.

Grayson should have been just as frustrated over his side's finishing as they created chances but lacked conviction.

Gary Fletcher-Taylor failed to make the most of a free header from David Fox's corner, allowing keeper Heinz Muller to produce a reaction save, then Keigan Parker shot across goal before defender Kasper Gorkss was woefully wide with a far-post header.

Muller was called into action to tip away a Parker drive from distance as Barnsley made hard work of holding on to the points.

Barnsley stretched their lead in the 70th minute when a Howard cross was met by Istvan Ferenczi, who headed his second goal in consecutive games.

But Keith Southern volleyed Blackpool back into the game from 15 yards two minutes later after Barnsley failed to clear a corner.

The defeat left Blackpool stuck in the bottom three without a win in eight games and contemplating a quick return to League One.