Huddersfield Town delivered a dominant performance to claim a 2-0 victory against Barnsley in the EFL Trophy.
The Terriers were in control for the majority of the game, outclassing their opponents in possession and chances created. Goals from Freddie Ladapo and Danny Ward ensured that the three points stayed in Huddersfield, with Barnsley struggling to mount any serious challenge throughout the match. However, Michael Duff’s side are still not in the qualification spots, while Barnsley have exited the competition.
Despite Barnsley’s best efforts, they were unable to register a single shot on target, leaving Huddersfield to dictate the flow of the game. The hosts were relentless, peppering the Barnsley defence with 25 shots, seven of which tested the goalkeeper. Huddersfield’s pressing and efficient use of the ball in the final third proved too much for Barnsley, who also saw Donovan Pines sent off in the 83rd minute, further compounding their woes.
First Half: Huddersfield Dominate But Fail to Break Through
The first half saw Huddersfield take charge early on, creating several chances, but they were initially unable to find a way past Barnsley’s resolute defence. Bojan Radulovic was lively in the opening exchanges, with his header in the 1st minute going just wide of the right post. As the half progressed, Huddersfield continued to press, with Nigel Lonwijk and Matthew Pearson both forcing saves from Barnsley’s keeper in the 30th minute.
Huddersfield’s attacking intent was clear, with the home side consistently testing the Barnsley backline. Despite this, Freddie Ladapo missed a golden opportunity just before half-time, firing high and wide from the centre of the box. The half ended goalless, but it was evident that Huddersfield had the upper hand, enjoying 64.8% possession and nine corners compared to Barnsley’s three.
Barnsley, meanwhile, struggled to gain any real foothold in the game. Their only real chance of the half came through Conor McCarthy’s blocked header in the 22nd minute. Stephen Humphrys also found himself caught offside on several occasions, highlighting Barnsley’s frustrations in their attempts to counter Huddersfield’s dominance.
Second Half: Ladapo and Ward Seal the Win
The second half continued much like the first, with Huddersfield pressing high and Barnsley struggling to cope with their intensity. Huddersfield’s breakthrough finally came in the 59th minute. Freddie Ladapo, who had been a constant threat, latched onto a low cross from Bojan Radulovic and slotted the ball into the bottom left corner, giving Huddersfield a well-deserved 1-0 lead.
Barnsley’s frustrations grew as they failed to find a response. Their best chance of the match came in the 68th minute, but Nigel Lonwijk’s header was comfortably saved. Moments later, Donovan Pines compounded their misery by receiving a straight red card in the 83rd minute for a reckless challenge on Tom Iorpenda, reducing Barnsley to 10 men.
With the man advantage, Huddersfield pressed forward for a second goal to seal the win. Rhys Healey came close in the 87th minute, hitting the post with a powerful header, before Danny Ward finally made it 2-0 in stoppage time. Ward connected with a cross from Tom Iorpenda, calmly finishing from the centre of the box to cap off Huddersfield’s impressive display.
Barnsley, who had struggled throughout the match, could only muster one shot all game and none on target, a testament to Huddersfield’s defensive organisation. Despite a few promising moments in the first half, Barnsley were unable to create any clear-cut chances and paid the price for their lack of offensive spark.
Huddersfield’s Control Proves Too Much for Barnsley
Huddersfield’s control over the game was evident in every aspect. They dominated possession with 64.8%, had 25 shots compared to Barnsley’s one, and earned nine corners. Their relentless pressure on Barnsley’s goal ultimately led to the breakthrough, and their ability to create chances from wide areas paid off with both goals coming from crosses.
Freddie Ladapo and Danny Ward were standout performers in attack, with Ward’s late goal putting the result beyond doubt. Phoenix Patterson was also influential, controlling the tempo and linking up well with the forwards. Huddersfield’s defence, meanwhile, was rarely troubled, with Barnsley only managing five touches in Huddersfield’s box over the course of the match.
Editor In Chief
