[BFC SITE] Reds defeat Blades in Carabao Cup Second Round

The Reds claimed their first home win of the 24/25 season and a place in the next round of the Carabao Cup with a 1-0 victory over South Yorkshire rivals, Sheffield United.

The visitors had the first chance early in the game with a free kick just outside the box, but it was hit straight into the Barnsley wall. The Reds' first attack came when Aiden Marsh made a run down the right wing, but his cross was easily cut out. The Reds continued to pressure the Blades but couldn’t get anything on target.

Sheffield United came close to a goal when the ball was played from the right wing. Rhian Brewster got his foot to the ball, but it hit the post and went out for a goal kick. Barnsley didn’t let the pressure stop them and after another good attack, a last-ditch tackle from the opposition denied Aiden Marsh, putting the ball out for a corner. The Blades responded and a late challenge from Maël de Gevigney on the left wing just outside the box gave United another close-range free kick and a chance to take the lead, but the Reds defended well, and the score remained goalless.

Both teams had good spells of possession in the opening 30 minutes, but neither created any real chances on goal. With just under 15 minutes of the first half remaining, Cotter picked up the ball in the opposition's half, but his shot was wild and nowhere near the target.

The Reds forced Davies into another save when Phillips had a shot on target from 20 yards out, which was put out for a corner. Again, United continued to battle for a goal, and following a Sheffield United corner, Sydie Peck found himself in space, but his shot went just wide of the post allowing Barnsley to reset. Peck found himself in the box just a few minutes later, but his shot was off target for the second time.

After a good battle between two South Yorkshire teams, only one minute was added, but the first 45 ended level.

Half-time: Barnsley 0-0 Sheffield United

The second half started fast with both teams getting into their opposition's box, but neither team caused any real threat. Great play from Cotter down the right wing put the Blades under pressure and gave Barnsley a corner.

After a steady first half, the Reds looked livelier. Pressure from Marsh in the opposition half found Cotter who played a lovely ball around the Sheffield defence to Phillips. He squared the ball to Watters in the box who then found the bottom corner giving Barnsley a 1-0 lead.

The Reds were on top and quickly looking for a second. Pressing from the front, they had a few more chances on goal but the United defence managed to keep them out. A triple change for the Blades hoped to give them a boost of energy from the bench with 30 minutes to go.

Barnsley continued to play some good football down the righthand side through Cotter, but they couldn’t get the breakthrough they needed to make it two. After a solid performance from the Reds wide-man, he was replaced by Corey O’Keefe in the 71st minute. Vimal Yoganathan was also brought off two minutes later for Jon Russell after an impressive showing.

Sheffield United thought they had equalised shortly before time, but the referee blew for a foul on Slonina meaning the Reds kept their narrow advantage. The Blades had another chance to level the score, but it was kept out after a great save from Slonina. With 10 minutes to go, United began to pressure the Reds, but the defence remained solid.

The referee indicated a minimum of 8 minutes of added time, giving United hope to find an equaliser. Some great play in the attacking third from the Blades almost got through but the shot was wide in the end. Both teams battled until the final whistle, but it was Barnsley who took the win and passage into the third round of the competition.

Full-time: Barnsley 1-0 Sheffield United

Barnsley: Slonina, Cotter (O’Keefe, 70’), Roberts, Pines, Gevigney, Phillips, Marsh(Lofthouse, 79’), Earl, Watters, Yoganathan (Russell, 73’), Connell

Subs not used: Killip, Benson, Gent, McCarthy, Łopata, Nwakali

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