Barnsley ended a ten-game winless run at Oakwell as they beat local rivals Sheffield United 1-0 in the second round of the EFL Cup on Tuesday evening.

Max Watters netted early in the second half which the Reds started brilliantly before defending a late onslaught bravely.

It was a first win at Oakwell in 11 attempts since February.

Darrell Clarke three changes from the last league game with Donovan Pines in for Georgie Gent, Aiden Marsh for Sam Cosgrove and Vimal Yoganathan for Conor Hourihane. Kelechi Nwakali was on the bench for the first time.

Marc Roberts’ underhit back pass almost gifted Louie Marsh an early goal but he was tackled by goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina.

Rhian Brewster then hit the post from close range when he should have scored after a fine run down the right by Jesurun Rak-Sakyi.

Barnsley’s first effort saw Barry Cotter shoot well over from 30 yards in the 32nd minute. Five minutes later Adam Phillips had their first shot on target from just outside the box after Max Watters played him in and ex-Red Adam Davies died to his left to push it away.

Owen Hampson then dragged wide of the bottom right corner from just inside the box after United worked the ball in from a throw on the right. Roberts headed over from a Cotter long throw just before half-time.

Barnsley started the second half brightly and took the lead. Marsh, who had been pressing well, won the ball near halfway then Cotter played an excellent pass down the right to Phillips whose low cross was tapped in from close range by Watters.

Pines headed over from a Connell corner then, at the other end, Blades substitute Gustavo Hamer saw a 20-yard strike impressively saved by Slonina. The home goalkeeper then had the ball headed out of his hands by his USA compatriot Auston Trust but the goal was ruled out. Slonina then pushed away another swerving long-range Hamer effort.

Sydie Peck then hit the base of the right post from the edge of the box. Slonina caught a powerful effort from Louie Marsh on the left of the box after a clever free-kick.

Peck should have levelled in injury time but blazed wide with the goal gaping 12 yards out after the Reds defence was opened up by a good move involving Hamer and Andre Brooks.

Barnsley (3-5-2): Slonina; de Gevigney, Pines, Roberts; Cotter (O’Keeffe 71mins), Connell, Yoganathan (Russell 74), Phillips, Earl; Marsh (Lofthouse 79), Watters.

Unused: Killip, Benson, Gent, Lopata, Nwakali.

Yellow cards: de Gevigney.

Goals: Watters 52.

Sheffield United (4-2-3-1): Davies; Sachdev, Ahmedhodzic, Norrington-Davies (Trusty 62mins), McCallum (Burrows 73); Peck, Coulibaly; Marsh, Hampson (Brooks 62), Rak-Sakyi (Campbell 62); Brewster (Hamer 73).

Unused: Faxon, Souttar, Souza, One.

Yellow cards: Marsh.

Referee: Tom Reeves (Warwickshire).

Attendance: 10,739.