Crawley Town began their League One season by seeing off the challenge of 10-man Barnsley thanks to a late goal from Izale McLeod.
A scrappy first half was brightened by a fantastic Dale Jennings strike, but his effort was saved well by Crawley keeper Brian Jensen.
After the break, Jennings really should have scored after greeting Reece Brown's cross with a header, but it zipped just over and the scores stayed level.
His frustrations eventually boiled over and he was sent off for his reaction to being fouled by Town winger Gwion Edwards.
It is the second season in a row in which Jennings has been sent off on the opening day, and Crawley capitalised as McLeod headed in from a corner ten minutes from time to give his side victory.
