A young Rovers side ran out 4-3 winners in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Barnsley this afternoon.

Harry Leonard, John Buckley, Zak Gilsenan and Tom Bloxham were all on target during the second half.

The likes of Aynsley Pears, Scott Wharton, John Buckley and Dilan Markanday came into the starting line-up after missing the goalless draw at Fleetwood on Friday night.

Chances were hard to come by during the opening 30 minutes, although Markanday caused the Barnsley backline plenty of problems. He picked out Jake Batty after some good work on the wing, but the youngster’s goal-bound shot was blocked.

Leonard also had a half-chance after getting on the end of Charlie Weston’s deflected cross, but his header was straight at the Liam Roberts in the Barnsley goal.

Weston then managed to beat the offside trap and get in behind the hosts’ backline, but he was denied by a smart stop.

Roberts made another impressive save on the stroke of half time, keeping out Markanday’s shot with his legs after the ball dropped for the wideman in the box.

The second half was much more eventful, with Leonard having a penalty saved after Markanday was brought down in the box.

Harley O’Grady-Macken’s cross then hit the post before the rebound was somehow saved on the line by Roberts.

Rovers managed to break the deadlock just after the hour-mark when Leonard latched onto Markanday’s pass, beat his man and provided a composed finish.

James Norwood got Barnsley back on level terms, but it was short lived after Buckley scored a second penalty which was again won by Markanday.

Gilsenan added a third, reacting quickly in the box to slot home after his initial effort was blocked by a defender.

Norwood got the hosts back in the game once again, but Bloxham wrapped up the result six minutes from time. The attacking midfielder, who joined after leaving Tottenham earlier this summer, pounced on a loose pass by Roberts.

Devante Cole scored Barnsley’s third at the death, but Rovers held on to secure victory against the Tykes.

Pears, Gamble (Atcheson 76), Barnes (Montgomery 57), S Wharton, Batty (Davies 87), Garrett, Buckley, Weston (O’Grady-Mackem), Markanday (Edmondson 78), Gilsenan, Leonard (Bloxham 76). Unused: Eastham, Hilton, Wood