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Barnsley ventured south on match day nine, to take on Cambridge United. Fans travelled in their numbers with optimism but a dose of reluctancy, given the Tykes’ inconsistent start to the 2022/2023 season. Cambridge had won all four games at home, and were currently occupying a play-off position in the table. It was certain to be a very tough encounter.
The game kicked off and Barnsley looked competitive, special mentions to Herbie Kane, Devante Cole and Jack Aitchison who were excellent. Cambridge had a clear game-plan. A tight and congested pitch, with pacey strikers who will run in-behind. Barnsley teams of the past have struggled against teams with such physicality and directness, but this Barnsley team absolutely bossed them.
Some lovely link-up play left Kitching with the ball approaching his feet, despite initially slicing his first-time pass that looked easy for the U’s to deal with, the Cambridge defender misjudged it. This left Devante Cole with the ball at his feet, and with no doubts, the in-form Cole placed the ball into the left-hand corner.
After taking the lead at the Abbey, the Reds didn’t use the momentum to produce a second, and Cambridge looked to step on the pressure. Sam Smith looked a danger all afternoon with the ability to run in-behind and cause the Barnsley defence problems. To the relief of the Tykes, the referee blew for half-time to holt the Cambridge momentum. If the first half continued for an additional 10 minutes, I have no doubts that United would've found the back of the net.
HALF TIME CAMBRIDGE UNITED 0-1 BARNSLEY
The second half started in a similar vein; Brad Collins tipped a fizzing shot past the post to deny Cambridge an early second half goal. This was to be Collins’ last involvement, he soon became the victim of a horror injury after the U's striker connected with his elbow as both he and Collins contested for an aerial ball. A long break, and Collins left the field with captain Mads Andersen aiding his departure. Jamie Searle was to make his professional debut, as Collins left with buckets of blood pouring out of his face.
Searle hadn’t filled me with confidence in the few times I had watched him, and Barnsley were seriously up against it now. This was aided when Liam Kitching was shown his marching orders on 68 minutes. The referee originally gave just a foul, and looked adamant and confident about his decision. However, after the Cambridge fans and players placed just enough weight onto his shoulders, he reversed his decision and showed a second yellow to Kitching.
It felt like Barnsley against the world now, and the fans reacted well by getting behind their side. Tarn showed immense grit and determination, and I was tired just watching their arduous work ethic to limit Cambridge to no space. The official continued to book Barnsley players, and despite Cambridge producing almost identical fouls, the U’s didn’t seem to find themselves in the referee’s book. It was only a matter of time before the Yellow’s found the back of the net – to play almost an entire half with an academy goalkeeper and 10 men and to not concede would be borderline impossible.
Barnsley showed character however, and continued to play on the front foot. Josh Benson whipped in a testing ball into the Cambridge six-yard area. With a helping touch from James Norwood, the ball landed at the head of former Cambridge loanee Robbie Cundy who just put enough onto his header to beat the U’s goalkeeper and double Barnsley’s advantage. If the first goal caused bedlam, there was absolute carnage in the away end now. All the frustration and sadness at losing your goalkeeper to a freak injury, and to be kicked whilst you’re down with an unfair red card – players and fans alike felt the frustration and this caused incredible scenes following Robbie Cundy’s goal.
The sheer relief and pride in the battling Barnsley boys now created a party atmosphere. But Barnsley couldn’t rest, Cambridge still knew that with a man advantage, an inexperienced Barnsley ‘keeper in the sticks and a healthy chunk of injury time to follow, they had a chance to still produce something from the game.
Cambridge countered well and utilising the man advantage, Sam Smith rattled the ball into the net with around 10 minutes to go. Thankfully for the Reds, the linesman didn’t follow protocol and gave Barnsley a decision in their favour (raising his flag for offside).
Jamie Searle would’ve been disappointed with his efforts, as it looked to be a comfortable save. Cambridge had the ball in the net again, but once again the linesman raised his flag for handball. Two goals in ten minutes for United, but the score remained 2-0 to the visitors!
As we approached 90 minutes, Cambridge looked to be giving up and were just as frustrated with the referee as Barnsley. The Tykes didn’t care, and were playing some beautiful football, with each pass being ‘Ole-d’ by the jubilant support from South Yorkshire.
A beautiful Cadden pass saw James Norwood through on goal, at a tight angle. After taking his time, it swiftly resulted in Super Jimmy smashing the ball home to seal the victory and categorically deny any Cambridge comeback.
Down to 10 men, an academy goalkeeper playing and conceding two, yet winning 3-0. I love football.
FULL TIME CAMBRIDGE UNITED 0-3 BARNSLEY
The full-time whistle was met with an incredible roar from the packed away end. Cambridge had won all four games at home this season – and despite being handed a perfect opportunity to win, they couldn’t take it. Barnsley were brilliant, they showed the fight and courage of a team that wants to win promotion. Maybe Michael Duff’s team-bonding session to the national coal mining museum has worked (again)? They must build upon this; we have crossed the turbulent sea of difficult fixtures with hardly any damage to our confidence or moral.
Image credit Barnsley Chronicle
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