On This Day: Barnsley v Manchester United - 25 February 1998

Oakwell has seen its fair share of drama over the years, but few nights have rivalled the sheer ecstasy of February 25, 1998. Against the might of Manchester United, one of the most dominant sides in English football, Barnsley delivered a cup upset for the ages, sending the FA Cup holders crashing out in a thrilling Fifth Round Replay.

Setting the Stage

The original tie at Old Trafford had ended 1-1, a result that saw Barnsley denied a clear-cut penalty just seven minutes from time. Forced into four changes for the replay due to injuries and suspensions, Danny Wilson’s side were up against it. Nicky Eaden, Ales Krizan, Arjan De Zeeuw, and Chris Morgan were all unavailable, yet Oakwell was buzzing with belief.

United, missing a few key names but still boasting an array of internationals, started the game dictating the tempo. However, the visitors were quickly stunned when Barnsley struck inside the opening 10 minutes.

A Start to Savour

With just nine minutes on the clock, John Hendrie lifted the roof off Oakwell. Darren Barnard floated a perfectly measured ball over United’s static defence, allowing Hendrie to chase. With the legendary Peter Schmeichel advancing, Hendrie produced a moment of magic, guiding the ball past the Dane with an unflinching outside-of-the-foot finish at the near post. Oakwell erupted.

United had chances—Eric Nevland lobbed wide, and David Beckham saw an effort cannon off the inside of the post before spinning agonisingly across the face of goal. But this was no backs-to-the-wall performance from Barnsley. The Reds were harrying, pressing, and attacking with real intent.

Then, just before half-time, Barnsley struck again. A brilliant breakaway saw John Hendrie surging through, only to be clattered by Gary Pallister just outside the box. The challenge earned Pallister a booking and effectively ended Hendrie’s night, but from the resulting free-kick, Scott Jones ghosted into the box to poke the ball past a shell-shocked Schmeichel. 2-0 to Barnsley at the break.

United Fight Back—But Barnsley Respond

With Hendrie forced off, Andy Liddell was introduced for Barnsley, while Denis Irwin replaced Brian McClair for United. The visitors came flying out of the blocks in the second half, and within minutes, they had halved the deficit. Teddy Sheringham turned in a scrappy effort after a Beckham cross wasn’t properly dealt with, setting up a tense final half-hour.

But Barnsley had other ideas. Just as United looked to seize control, Oakwell witnessed a moment of FA Cup folklore. A Neil Redfearn corner found Scott Jones at the back post. Rising above Denis Irwin, he met the ball with a thumping header, sending it crashing off the underside of the bar and into the net. Barnsley 3-1 Manchester United. Oakwell was in raptures.

United refused to give up and kept pushing forward. With just under ten minutes to go, Andy Cole pounced after Sheringham nodded down a Beckham cross, making it 3-2 and setting up a nervy finish.

Holding Firm in a Nervous Finale

United weren’t finished. With Ben Thornley, Cole, and Sheringham all pushing for an equaliser, Barnsley were forced into a heroic rearguard action. A mad goalmouth scramble saw Thornley hook over from close range, while United threw on Twiss for Clegg in a final roll of the dice.

Referee Mike Riley, already unpopular in Barnsley after denying the Reds a penalty at Old Trafford, somehow found over six minutes of stoppage time, adding to the unbearable tension. But the final whistle eventually blew, and Oakwell erupted.

A Famous Victory

The night had delivered one of Barnsley’s greatest ever victories. It was an unforgettable FA Cup classic, etched forever into the club’s rich history.

Team Line-Ups

Barnsley: David Watson, Matty Appleby, Darren Barnard, Adie Moses, Peter Markstedt, Scott Jones, Jovo Bosancic, Martin Bullock, Neil Redfearn, John Hendrie, Ashley Ward.
Substitutes: Andy Liddell, Darren Sheridan, Clint Marcelle.

Manchester United: Peter Schmeichel, Michael Clegg, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Gary Pallister, David May, David Beckham, Brian McClair, Andrew Cole, Erik Nevland, Ben Thornley.
Substitutes: Teddy Sheringham, Denis Irwin, Michael Twiss.

Final Score: Barnsley 3-2 Manchester United

Danny Wilson was full of pride:

“That win was one of the best Barnsley Football Club has ever had. My heart must have stopped 30 or 40 times in the second half as we came under relentless pressure, but we defended magnificently and earned our good fortune.”

Even Sky Sports pundit Andy Gray dismissed talk of a weak United side, pointing out that Ferguson’s team featured seven internationals. Meanwhile, Kevin Keegan heaped praise on Barnsley’s Scott Jones, the unlikely two-goal hero:

“He may not be the biggest, but he’s certainly the bravest. He caught Manchester United cold twice at set pieces.”

For Barnsley, it was a night when giants were toppled, history was written, and Oakwell witnessed a cup tie for the ages.