[BFC SITE] Reds defeated by Stevenage

A late winner in stoppage time sunk the Reds against Stevenage at Oakwell.

A misplaced throw in by Corey O’Keeffe almost led to a goal for Stevenage, but Killip was alert to tip the ball over the crossbar. The Reds' first attack came down the left flank, when Neil Farrugia fizzed a ball across the box, but it was easily collected by Murphy Cooper.

Josh Earl played a cross-field ball to O’Keeffe who controlled the ball well, but the next phase was cut out by the Stevenage defence. The opening fifteen minutes were quiet with both teams struggling to create any real chances on goal. Kelechi Nwakali battled hard in the centre of the pitch to win the ball back and found O’Keeffe on the right, but his cross was over everyone in the box.

Keillor-Dunn found himself in space just outside the box in the 22nd minute, but his hesitancy to shoot allowed the defender time to recover and he was dispossessed. Shortly after, the Reds displayed some good link up play which almost led to a chance, but Keillor-Dunn didn’t read the back heel from Connell and the ball was intercepted.

The visitors had the first real chance of the game in the 32nd minute but the shot was arrowed straight at Killip to ensure the scores remained level going into the interval.

Half Time: Barnsley 0-0 Stevenage

Keillor-Dunn had the Reds first chance of the second half to break the deadlock, but his curling left-footed shot went wide of the post. It was Barnsley who looked more threatening on the attack, putting pressure on the visitor’s defence, but Stevenage were well organised, not allowing the Reds an opportunity to take the lead.

Georgie Gent was the Reds first substitution of the afternoon, replacing debutant, Farrugia. Getting straight into the mix, the substitute made a run down the left flank, but he couldn’t get past the Stevenage right back and the ball went out for a goal kick. In the 74th minute, Barnsley’s second substitution Steven Humphrys made a good run down the right wing, floating the ball to the back stick, but it was collected by Cooper.

There was a short break in play due to captain, Connell requiring medical attention, giving both teams a chance to regroup.

With less than ten minutes remaining, both teams upped their game, hoping to claim a last-minute winner. After the referee indicated six minutes of added time, it was Stevenage who took the lead. A ball crossed in from the right flank was met at the back post by Dan Kemp who headed it into the back of the net in added time.

Full Time: Barnsley 0-1 Stevenage

Barnsley FC: Killip, Roberts, O’Keeffe, Phillips (Humphrys 71’), McCarthy, Farrugia (Gent 67’), Earl, Watters, Keillor-Dunn, Connell, (Russell 83’), Nwakali.

Subs unused: Smith, Pines, Cosgrove, Lofthouse

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