Barnsley vs Fleetwood Town EFL Cup 2025: Where to Listen and Who’s Commentating

The eagerly anticipated English League Cup first-round match between Barnsley and Fleetwood Town kicks off on Wednesday, 13 August 2025, at 19:45 UK time. For fans across the UK and abroad who cannot make it to Oakwell Stadium in Barnsley, multiple broadcast options are available, with two BBC local radio stations providing live commentaries, alongside streaming options covering Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

Within the UK, this EFL Cup fixture is being covered on BBC Radio Lancashire and BBC Radio Sheffield. BBC Radio Lancashire can be heard on FM, presenting a full live commentary with Phil Gittins as the main commentator and Jimmy Bell providing co-commentary. Phil Gittins is a well-respected football commentator who has built a reputation through years of covering Lancashire’s key football teams. Jimmy Bell’s experience as a co-commentator adds insightful tactical analysis for listeners throughout the match.

BBC Radio Sheffield is handling on-the-ground reporting with Robbie Andrews, who brings local expertise from Sheffield and a deep knowledge of Yorkshire football, offering fans vivid matchday atmosphere and player updates.

For viewers outside the UK, the match will be available via beIN Connect Australia and beIN Connect New Zealand. These streaming channels offer fans in these regions access to live football action, though commentary teams for these broadcasts are not publicly detailed at this stage.

UK football fans with subscriptions to Sky Sports+ can also stream the game with commentary led by Rich Wolfenden, a seasoned commentator with a background in covering English football extensively on Sky Sports platforms. Wolfenden's expertise ensures a high-quality viewing experience combining descriptive play-by-play calls and expert insights.

About the Teams and Match Context

The match will be played at Oakwell Stadium, Barnsley’s home ground. Historically, Barnsley dominate this fixture in head-to-head stats, having won 6 out of the last 12 meetings, including 4 wins in the previous 5 encounters against Fleetwood Town. The teams last met in February 2024 with a narrow 2-1 victory for Barnsley away at Fleetwood.

Barnsley currently compete in League One, while Fleetwood Town play in League Two, making this a clash that pits two tiers of English Football League teams against each other in the knockout EFL Cup format.

The match is expected to be fiercely competitive. Betting previews highlight a strong likelihood of both teams scoring, making "Both Teams to Score" a promising betting option.

For detailed stats and live updates on the match, platforms like Sofascore provide in-depth coverage including live scores, possession, shots, and other useful match statistics for fans and bettors alike.

The Broadcasters and Commentary Teams

Phil Gittins is an authoritative voice on BBC Radio Lancashire, having covered numerous Lancashire clubs and gaining a loyal listener base thanks to his engaging and knowledgeable commentary style. His ability to paint an audio picture of the game is prized by local fans.

Jimmy Bell, his co-commentator, complements the coverage by breaking down team tactics and player performances, enriching the listening experience with expert insights.

On BBC Radio Sheffield, Robbie Andrews takes the pitch-side reporter role, offering live updates from the ground and interviews, often contributing to the emotional and narrative depth of the broadcast.

Rich Wolfenden on the Sky Sports+ stream is notable for his work across a variety of Sky Sports football broadcasts. His commentary is recognised for clarity, enthusiasm, and technical football knowledge, making the live stream a great option for viewers looking for detailed play-by-play coverage and expert analysis.

Where to Tune In

• BBC Radio Lancashire (FM): Live commentary with Phil Gittins and Jimmy Bell
• BBC Radio Sheffield: Match reporting by Robbie Andrews
• Sky Sports+ Stream: Live streaming with commentary by Rich Wolfenden
• beIN Connect Australia and New Zealand: Streaming available for international viewers

For live score updates, team line-ups and real-time statistics, Sofascore is a recommended source. Further pre-match insights, betting tips and line-ups can be found on the Sports Gambler website.

This fixture promises to be an exciting start to the EFL Cup campaign, showcasing the competitive spirit of English lower league football and offering fans multiple options to follow the action live and in depth. Whether tuning in via BBC’s trusted local radio stations, streaming internationally on beIN Connect, or enjoying Sky Sports+ commentary, football fans are well covered on 13 August 2025 at 19:45 UK time.