[BFC SITE] Reds start 2025 with home win

Barnsley kicked off 2025 at Oakwell with a 2-1 victory against Wrexham AFC, displaying an impressive performance against tough opposition.

Wrexham thought they had an early lead in the 2nd minute of the game, but the linesman was quick to flag for offside, ruling out the goal.

However, it was the Reds who took the lead in the 12th minute when Adam Phillips played a brilliant cross-field ball to Keillor-Dunn in the box who cut in on his right foot and curled the ball into the bottom right corner of the net. The Reds continued to pressure Wrexham and almost created another chance. Josh Earl drove down the center of the pitch playing the ball to Keillor-Dunn who found the run of Cotter, but his cross was blocked.

Fantastic pressure from Max Watters led to him finding Adam Phillips unmarked in the box. Sending the defender the wrong way, the number 8 placed the ball on his weaker foot into the top left corner, doubling Barnsley’s lead.

The Reds dominated possession for large spells of the first half. Leading 2-0 at the break, the home side looked more threatening on the attack.

Half time: Barnsley 2-0 Wrexham

Wrexham had an early corner in the second half which led to a shot from inside the box, but Killip was there to make a brilliant save off the line. The Reds made a double substitution in the 52nd minute bringing on Humphrys and Pines in place of Watters and Earl.

The visitors made huge claims for handball in the box, but the referee disagreed and allowed the game to continue. The game was paused for a few minutes to allow for treatment after Paul Mullin collided with the advertising hoardings.

The Red Dragons had two quick chances to get themselves back in the game but a superb save from Killip and a goal-line clearance from Corey O’Keeffe kept the Reds' adavantage. The visitors were quick to counter and following a cross from the left wing, Ben Killip pulled off another fantastic save, tipping the ball onto the crossbar.

In the 70th minute, Davis Keillor-Dunn was close to making it three for the Reds, but Mark Howard saved his shot at the near post. Despite Barnsley having a lot of possession, the visitors were able to bring one back in the 80th minute. Pinball in the area led to Max Cleworth smashing the ball into the net.

With five minutes remaining, Barnsley made a third substitution, replacing Davies Keillor-Dunn with Sam Cosgrove. An injury to Barry Cotter in additional time forced the Reds into a late change, bringing on Georgie Gent.

Despite a late surge of attack from the visitors, the Reds held strong to make it three wins on the bounce in Sky Bet League One.

Full time: Barnsley 2-1 Wrexham

Reds: Killip, Cotter (Gent 94’), Russell, de Gevigney, O’Keeffe, Phillips, McCarthy, Earl (Pines 52’), Watters (Humphrys 52’), Keillor-Dunn (Cosgrove 85’), Connell ©

Subs unused: Smith, Yoganathan, Nwakali

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