Barnsley recovered from a disastrous start to claim three crucial points after an impressive victory over Cheltenham at Whaddon Road.

The Robins took just two minutes to open the scoring, Tony Naylor turning and firing into the bottom corner after collecting a Mike Duff cross.

But the lead lasted for just 16 minutes.

A woeful header from Greg Strong fell at the feet of Mike Sheron and the former Manchester City striker placed his shot beyond goalkeeper Steve Book.

The Robins almost regained the lead on the half-hour when a Martin Devaney effort was cleared off the line.

After a Lee Crooks attempt had been scrambled away, Bruce Dyer gave the Tykes a 63rd-minute lead with a diving header.

Cheltenham piled forward in search of a goal but minute Gary Jondge of the box to kill off Bobby Gould's side.

Cheltenham: Book, Jones, Mike Duff, Brough, Strong, Devaney, McAuley, McCann, Brown, Alsop, Naylor. Subs: Brayson, Higgs, Spencer, Bird, Shane Duff.

Barnsley: Marriott, Crooks, Morgan, Austin, Donovan, Neil, Gary Jones, Ward, Mulligan, Dyer, Sheron. Subs: Lumsdon, Gorre, Rankin, Ghent, Kay.

Referee: P Armstrong (Berkshire).