[BFC SITE] Reds make it four consecutive wins

Barnsley made it two consecutive wins at Oakwell in the start of 2025 as they beat Crawley Town 3-0 in Sky Bet League One.

The Reds started fast with an attack down the left wing as Max Watters found Keillor-Dunn in the box, but his shot was off target. Adam Phillips played a brilliant ball across the box hoping to find Watters or Dunn, but it was put over the bar by the Crawley defence. Gent had a chance to take the lead, but his shot was dragged wide.

In the 11th minute, some brilliant play down the right flank found Russell in the box who was composed in the area, smashing the ball into the bottom left corner. Corey O’Keeffe crossed the ball into the box soon after finding the head of Max Watters, but he was unable to convert the chance.

Watters had another chance to double Barnsley’s lead in the 21st minute shooting from outside the box, but he couldn’t direct it on target. Good link up play between O’Keeffe and Phillips led to a shot on goal but it was an easy save for Jojo Wollacott.

Both teams had long spells of possession in the final 15 minutes of the game, but the score remained 1-0 to the Reds. Jon Russell found himself through on goal in the 40th minute, but he couldn’t get the ball out of his feet for the shot. The visitors thought they had a penalty on the brink of half time, but the referee blew for a free kick in favour of the Reds and the half ended with Barnsley in front.

Half time: Barnsley 1-0 Crawley Town

Barnsley had the first attack of the second half when Phillips crossed a ball into the box which found Gent at the back post, but his shot was blocked by the Crawley defence. Five minutes into the second 45 and Barnsley doubled their lead. This time it was Max Watters who netted for the Reds. Hitting Crawley on the break, Keillor-Dunn drove with the ball, playing it to Phillips who then found Watters free in the box. Staying composed, the striker didn’t fail to find the back of the net.

Barnsley were dominating possession, causing problem after problem for the Crawley defence. Adam Phillips was 1v1 with the keeper almost straight after, but his shot was straight at Wollacott. Four minutes after the second goal, Keillor-Dunn made it three for the Reds. On his left foot, he curled the ball past the Crawley keeper from inside the box.

The visitors almost got one back, but the shot was dinked over Killip and landed on the roof of the net. Barnsley thought they had a fourth when Adam Phillips headed home, but it was ruled out for offside. Rushian Hepburn-Murphy was 1v1 with Ben Killip, but his shot bounced off the post. Still on the attack, Crawley forced Killip into two fantastic saves.

Another double substitution for Barnsley saw Watters and Keillor-Dunn being replaced by Cosgrove and Humphrys as they hoped to see out another win at Oakwell. After a superb performance from the Reds, they held out to ensure a comfortable victory.

Full time: Barnsley 3-0 Crawley Town

Barnsley FC: Killip, Russell (Connell 68’), Pines (Roberts 68’), de Gevigney ©, O’Keeffe, Phillips, Gent, Earl (McCarthy 58’), Watters (Cosgrove 81’), Keillor-Dunn (Humphrys 81’), Nwakali

Subs unused: Smith, Lofthouse

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