Tykes grab late winner in Athletic's opening Trophy tie

Athletic manager Frankie Bunn

George Moncur bagged a late winner for Barnsley as they defeated Athletic 2-1 at Boundary Park in last night's opening Checkatrade Trophy clash.

Summer capture Sam Surridge had put Athletic ahead before Victor Adeboyejo levelled late in the first half.

The hosts' stand-in captain Andy Taylor forced a smart stop from Jack Walton in the Barnsley goal early on.

Callum Lang then had a great chance to open his Athletic account later in the first half as Barnsley didn’t deal with a Tom Hamer long throw.

However, the Wigan loanee scuffed the shot into Walton’s hands.

Athletic took the lead after a long ball wasn’t dealt with and Surridge outmuscled Liam Lindsay before slotting the ball past Walton.

The Tykes equalised just before the interval as the ball broke through to Adeboyejo in the penalty area and he poked it into the bottom corner.

Athletic boss Frankie Bunn made early changes in the second half as Chris O’Grady and Jose Baxter were both introduced.

Both teams created half chances as Cameron McGeehan put a free header over the bar and Johan Branger-Engone hit the side-netting.

However, the visitors struck after Athletic failed to deal with a ball on the edge of the box and sub Moncur picked his spot and smashed it into the top corner.

Athletic almost took the game to penalties in the dying seconds as Taylor crossed in for Jonathan Benteke, whose powerful header was saved brilliantly by Walton.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be for Athletic, who must pick themselves up for the crucial home League Two clash with Newport County on Saturday.

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