Barnsley rounded off their pre-season preparations with a richly deserved and hard-fought victory over Sheffield United at Oakwell.
Second half strikes from Jack Aitchison and Josh Benson completed a Reds turnaround after Robbie Cundy’s own goal just before the break had put the Blades ahead.
Following a rather uneventful start to the game, it was Barnsley who registered the first attempt on target as Benson took aim with a free-kick from 20-yards that Wes Foderingham acrobatically tipped over.
Shortly after, the visitors had their first real opening through Iliman Ndiaye, who saw his low effort gathered comfortably by Brad Collins.
United threatened again a couple of minutes late, with Rhian Brewster’s shot deflecting off Cundy and into the arms of Collins from close range.
On the stroke of half-time, the Blades went ahead as Brewster ran through on goal and the unfortunate Cundy could only bundle it into his own net.
HALF-TIME: Barnsley 0-1 Sheffield United
Early in the second half, United had an opportunity to double their lead, but Sander Berge could only divert a low cross onto the post.
Having weathered a storm, Barnsley pulled level as Aitchison capitalised on a mix up in the Blades’ defence. Foderingham’s clearance cannoned off the back of a defender, into the path of our Scottish forward who showed excellent composure to swivel and pick his spot, crashing it high into the net.
The visitors almost responded immediately when Brewster’s deflected effort was pushed aside by Collins and Berge was left cursing his luck once more as he rattled the woodwork a second time.
However, with nine minutes remaining, the Reds found a winner as Benson fired an unstoppable free-kick into the top corner from 25-yards, bringing an end to a positive pre-season for Michael Duff and his squad.
FULL-TIME: Barnsley 2-1 Sheffield United
REDS XI: Collins (GK), Williams (McCarthy, 46), Andersen (C), Cundy (Helik, 70), Kitching, Cadden (Wolfe, 63), Benson, Connell, Styles, Aitchison (Marsh, 70), Cole (Norwood, 63).
Not used: Walton (GK), Helliwell, Hondermarck, Thomas.
