Phillips initially offered a solid save for Will Murdock, but the Reds took the lead during our first significant attack of the evening. Obi intercepted Vimal Yoganathan, who consequently fouled the striker in the penalty area. Rather than waiting for a potential penalty decision, Jack Fletcher seized the opportunity and netted a deflected shot that slipped past Kieren Flavell.
This was a special moment for the midfielder, who had previously scored impressive goals at this venue during an earlier match in this tournament, especially as his father, Darren, was present in the stands to witness it.
The next notable chance came in the 24th minute when Shea Lacey seemed poised to extend the lead. After faking onto his left foot, he unleashed a low shot that Flavell expertly saved. The home keeper found his next save much simpler when Obi attempted to capitalize on a well-placed pass from Bendito Mantato. He was fortunate to see Obi skew a Mantato delivery wide, as it came to the young striker at an awkward angle.
Just moments later, Barnsley nearly equalized against the run of play. A brilliant cross from the left by the advancing full-back Nathanael Ogbeta found Phillips, who headed the ball against the post. The rebound hit Barnsley’s number 8, but Murdock was quick to dive and secure it.
After that scare, Flavell responded well to a powerful shot from Jack Fletcher taken from outside the penalty area. Mantato chose to pass rather than take a shot when the ball came to him, allowing the Yorkshire side to clear their defense. United initially appeared comfortable but became guilty of overplaying at the back; Murdock found himself under pressure, leading to Dan Armer’s foul on Phillips.
McGoldrick stepped up to confidently convert the penalty kick, and despite Lacey showcasing his threat with another save from Flavell, the score remained level as the teams headed into the break.
