Bristol City deservedly lead Barnsley by two goals as the teams make their way in for half time at Ashton Gate.
There were early chances at both ends, with the first falling to Jon Stead. However, the striker headed over after getting on the end of Steve Davies's cross.
Ryan Tunnicliffe then forced Tom Heaton into action with a shot from distance, before Rory Delap brought another save following a solo run by Marlon Harewood.
The hosts went ahead in the 16th minute through Stead, who tapped in from three yards out after Marvin Elliott headed Paul Anderson's corner back across goal.
Heaton then made a wonderful save to keep his side in front, keeping out Stephen Crainey's goal-bound header from six yards out.
Sean O'Driscoll's men doubled their lead in the 35th minute, as Liam Fontaine prodded home at the back post from Brendan Moloney's cross.
Michael Penkman
