United Under 21s Review | Barnsley away

Barnsley 5 - 2 United Under 21s

The Under-21s suffered defeat at Barnsley in our second EFL Trophy game of the season.

Author | Pete Shaw

Travis Binnion’s youngsters started brightly, with Jack Fletcher giving us an early lead in the seventh minute. But just before half-time, David McGoldrick levelled from the penalty spot, cancelling out our advantage.

After the break, Barnsley came out stronger. McGoldrick completed his hat-trick, either side of a Chido Obi strike that earned a great reaction from the 382 travelling Reds at Oakwell.

Things got even tougher when Fletcher was sent off, and Barnsley made the most of the extra man. Neil Farrugia and Jon Russell added late goals to finish the scoring at 5-2, a result that hardly reflected how competitive United had been in the opening stages.

A closer look at what happened

The Reds started brightly, taking the lead from their first real chance. Chido Obi robbed Vimal Yoganathan, who brought him down in the box, and Jack Fletcher was on hand to convert a deflected strike past Kieren Flavell. It was a special moment for Obi on a ground where he had previously scored in this competition, with his father Darren watching from the stands.

United looked comfortable for large spells, with Shea Lacey and Obi both creating chances, while Barnsley were denied an equaliser when Phillips’ header rattled the post. However, defensive errors allowed David McGoldrick to convert a penalty after Dan Armer fouled Phillips, bringing the sides level going into half-time.

The second half saw Barnsley take control immediately. Caylan Vickers forced a fine save from Will Murdock before McGoldrick doubled the hosts’ lead in the 52nd minute with a clinical finish. United responded quickly, Lacey setting up Obi to drill home a superb goal to keep the contest alive.

A good finish from the United youngster in the EFL Trophy... https://t.co/3fh6JyrsbMpic.twitter.com/FZlYeyaznR

— European Super Football (@ESFootballNews) October 23, 2025

Barnsley’s pressure proved too much, though, and McGoldrick completed his hat-trick with a clever dink over Murdock in the 62nd minute. United were then reduced to ten men as Jack Fletcher was sent off, leaving them even more exposed. The League One side capitalised, with Neil Farrugia and Jon Russell adding further goals to seal a 5-2 win.

Despite a late effort from James Scanlon, United could not find a way back. It was a disappointing night in South Yorkshire, with defensive lapses and the red card ultimately deciding the game.