Prosinecki is driving force for Portsmouth

Barnsley 1 Portsmouth 4

The Croatian international Robert Prosinecki inspired Portsmouth to an impressive away-day win as Barnsley fell to their first home defeat of the season.

The former Real Madrid and Barcelona player has been the driving force behind Pompey's fine early-season form, and the 32-year-old was again in command against the Tykes. He played a part in three of the goals, including crucially the two in the opening 45 minutes as Graham Rix's side staged a fightback after conceding an early penalty.

The Welsh international Darren Barnard stroked home his first of the season from the spot in the eighth minute after Scott Hiley had brought down Bruce Dyer just inside the left-hand edge of the area.

But from nowhere, Prosinecki delivered a measured cross in the 23rd minute for Jamie Vincent to conjure up a moment of magic with a stunning sidefoot volley from 20 yards, giving Andy Marriott no chance.

On the stroke of half-time, Barnsley sustained a body blow as Prosinecki again provided a perfect cross, this time Peter Crouch heading his sixth of the season.

Six minutes after the break Chris Morgan's push on Crouch led to brought another penalty, with Lee Bradbury sending Marriott the wrong way from the spot for a 3-1 lead. Bradbury then made it four, unleashing a clinical finish from 15 yards.

Barnsley: Marriott, Regan, Barker, Mo, Barnard, Donov Tinkler (Kay, 73), Neil, Gorre (Jones, 62), Dyer, Fallon. Substitutes not used: Ghent, Parkin, Sheron.

Portsmouth: Ilic, Vincent, Crowe, Hiley, Edinburgh, O'Neil, Harper, Barrett, Prosinecki (Pitt, 84), Bradbury, Crouch. Substitutes not used: Tardif, Vine, Brady, Zamperini.

Referee: P Richards (Preston)