Cambridge secured a late 2-1 victory over Barnsley at Oakwell on Saturday, with substitute Shayne Lavery playing a decisive role in overturning an early deficit. Barnsley took the lead in the 41st minute through Vimal Yoganathan, who capitalized on a corner to slot the ball into an open net. However, Cambridge responded swiftly after halftime, leveling the score seven minutes into the second half when Lavery’s skillful play set up Ben Knight for a composed finish.

The match-winning goal arrived in stoppage time, with Lavery finishing from close range following a miscue by Barnsley goalkeeper Ravenhill. Cambridge manager Neil Harris praised Lavery’s impact, describing him as a key figure who lifts the team with both his energy and game intelligence. “He reads the game well and moves effectively to be in the right place at the right time,” Harris said. While he acknowledged a poor first-half performance, Harris expressed pride in his squad’s ability to recover and secure the win.

Barnsley captain Cameron McGeehan missed a notable opportunity before Yoganathan’s strike, heading directly at Cambridge goalkeeper Jake Eastwood from a close range. The hosts struggled to maintain their advantage but retained pressure throughout the match, particularly in the first half.

Barnsley head coach Daniel Stendel addressed the team’s drop into the relegation zone following the defeat. He emphasized the collective effort invested in each match but accepted responsibility for the current position. “I can only do my best, and the players do their best,” Stendel said. He highlighted the need for improvement beyond relying on the team’s youth and pointed to mental resilience as a critical factor going forward.

The result leaves Cambridge with valuable points away from home, while Barnsley faces renewed challenges as they seek to climb out of the relegation places.