ROTHERHAM, England (Interstat) — Barnsley opened its League One campaign with a commanding 3-1 victory over South Yorkshire rival Rotherham United at AESSEAL New York Stadium on Saturday, defying pregame projections with a strong second-half performance fueled by its substitutes.

The visitors, who entered the match as underdogs according to statistical models, overturned an early deficit to secure three points. Data firm Interstat had projected a draw with Rotherham United holding a 57.1 percent probability to win, but Barnsley’s bench made a decisive impact.

Rotherham United started brighter and was rewarded in the 37th minute. A well-worked move was finished by forward Sam Nombe, giving the home side a lead it would carry into halftime.

The complexion of the match shifted dramatically after the break, however, as Barnsley manager Neill Collins’ substitutions altered the game. Adam Phillips, introduced as a substitute, provided the immediate response, netting the equalizer just seven minutes into the second half to make it 1-1.

Barnsley’s momentum only grew from there. Striker Tom Bradshaw, another second-half substitute, then took center stage. He put the Tykes ahead in the 64th minute, finishing an assist from fellow substitute Vimal Yoganathan. Bradshaw sealed the victory ten minutes later, completing his brace with a 74th-minute strike. That goal was set up by substitutes Maël Durand de Gevigney and Corey O’Keeffe, highlighting the depth of Barnsley’s squad on the day.

The match was a physical affair, with four yellow cards issued by the referee. Barnsley’s O’Keeffe was booked in the 20th minute, followed by teammate Yoganathan in the 50th. As the game grew tense late, Barnsley defenders Durand de Gevigney and Eoghan O’Connell, who also recorded an assist, received cautions in the 88th and fourth minute of stoppage time, respectively.

The result gives Barnsley an ideal start to the League One season, moving its record to 1-0-0 in the competition and across all competitions. For Rotherham United, relegated from the Championship last season, the defeat marks a disappointing beginning to its campaign to secure an immediate return, leaving it with an 0-1-0 record both in the league and overall.

The comprehensive nature of the comeback victory, spearheaded by a prolific bench, sends a strong early message from Barnsley about its aspirations in the third-tier league this season. Rotherham United, meanwhile, will look to regroup after letting a home advantage and a lead slip away against its local rival.