Thompson volleyed in a stunning first-half goal

Joe Ledley side-footed home the opener after 19 minutes, then turned provider with a fine cross which Steven Thompson converted with a lethal 12-yard volley.

Brian Howard hit back spectacularly, meeting Paul Heckingbottom's cross with an acrobatic, 18-yard scissor-kick.

Nick Colgan saved a second-half penalty from Cardiff captain Darren Purse, but the Bluebirds were deserved victors.

"In the second half, we made a big improvement, took the game to them and on the balance of play we probably deserved a draw.

"They had quite a few chances but so did we. We had a couple of appeals for handballs, we hit the bar and I'm very proud of the lads.

"There was no disgrace and we should take heart from our second-half performance."

"The kid scored the wonder goal, we then had another chance to kill them off with the penalty but they came back at us again.

"It was always going to be a tough game but I thought we handled it well and all the new boys made good debuts.

"Last year I set a target but deep down I knew in my heart and in my head we weren't capable.

"When we tried to kick on we didn't have the resources and the finances to bring people in, but I look at this group of people and I think we're stronger - but only time will tell."

Barnsley: Colgan, Hassell, Reid, Kay, Heckingbottom (Williams 83), McIndoe, Howard, Togwell, Devaney (Wright 71), Richards, Hayes.
Subs Not Used: Letheren, McParland, Austin.

Booked: Richards, Howard.

Goals: Howard 31.

Cardiff: Alexander, Gilbert, Purse (Johnson 81), Loovens, McNaughton, Ledley, McPhail, Scimeca, Parry, Thompson (Campbell 72), Chopra (Flood 82).
Subs Not Used: Howard, Glombard.

Booked: Gilbert.

Goals: Ledley 19, Thompson 22.

Att: 12,082