Shayne Lavery scored a 91st-minute winner to complete a dramatic comeback as Cambridge United won 2-1 at Barnsley on Saturday. The victory extends their unbeaten away start in League One and lifts them to fifth place on 19 points, just one behind leaders Bradford. This result is part of a formidable recent run of form, with the U's now unbeaten in five matches and having won their last three consecutively, scoring 16 goals in the process. Their record of five wins and four draws from ten games has them firmly in the play-off places.
Neil Harris made one change to his side, with Owen Moxon starting in place of Sullay Kaikai, who missed the game following the birth of his child. Barnsley, who had not won in seven matches, took the lead four minutes before half-time. A corner from Reyes Cleary caused a scramble in the box and Vimal Yoganathan tapped in at the back post.
Second-half turnaround
Harris introduced Lavery and Ra’ees Bangura-Williams at the break, a move that changed the game. Six minutes into the second half, Lavery wriggled free on the left and cut the ball back for Ben Knight to fire home his fifth goal of the season. The game seemed headed for a draw until stoppage time, when Lavery found space in the area to slot home the decisive goal.
"Despite falling behind on the brink of half-time when Vimal Yoganathan converted from a scramble, the character was immense," said manager Neil Harris. Cambridge United defended resolutely despite having only 41% possession and facing 24 shots, with goalkeeper Jake Eastwood making six saves. The visitors also earned three yellow cards to Barnsley's five in a physical contest.
Harris praised his team's ability to manage the game, noting they have been averaging just 43% possession across the season but have been clinical in front of goal, scoring every 52 minutes on average. The team's overall defensive record shows 12 goals conceded this season. The result stays in the upper reaches of the league table. The U's now turn their attention to a home fixture against 11th-placed Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday night, looking to extend their winning streak.
