By Harry Jones
November 12 2025

 Barnsley progressed into the next round of the EFL Trophy despite losing at home to Lincoln.

The lowest crowd in Barnsley's history for a first team game of just 1,202 with 161 away fans saw Barnsley play well in the opening stages before fading and looking second best.

The Reds started brightly and good work down the right from Neil Farrugia saw him cross and the ball end up at the feet of Caylan Vickers who had his shot saved by Zachary Jeacock.

However, Lincoln soon grew into the game and had a golden chance when Finley Barbrook’s goal-bound effort was brilliantly cleared off the line by Jack Shepherd before Francis Okoronkwo blazed over from a few yards out.

However, Francis Okoronkwo would soon get his goal on 29 minutes as a long pass from Tendayi Darikwa was missed by Jake Rooney and sent Erik Ring through on goal who unselfishly squared for the 21-year-old to fire home.

Later in the first half, Luca Connell saw an effort from just outside the box saved by Zachary Jeacock who dived well to prevent the ball from nestling in the bottom right corner.

The second half saw less chances and opportunities as the visitors looked to sit in and allow Barnsley to control the ball while looking to hit them on the counter, like the game plan Port Vale and Rotherham executed weeks before.

James Collins had a long-range effort which deflected off Jake Rooney and rattled the crossbar.

But the Irishman would soon get his customary goal against The Reds as a long ball from Tendayi Darikwa found Adam Jackson who headed the ball across a disorganised defence before James Collins clinically dispatched home on 61 minutes.

The rest of the second half saw youngsters Kieran Graham and Luke Alker come on as substitutes and get some first team minutes for Barnsley.

Barnsley's next game is at home to Luton Town on Saturday 22^nd November after the home game against Northampton was called off due to international call-ups.