Barnsley U21s defeated Bolton U21s 1-0 at Oakwell.
The Reds secured a sixth win in eight games with a second half goal from Otis Khan, in a Reds team that featured a number of first team players.
A number of Reds fans were present as they got to see some of the new January signings in action for the first time.
The visitors kicked off the match and were instantly on the back foot. Khan and Shaun Tuton linked up well to give Khan his first chance on goal but his effort was deflected over.
It took until mid-way through the first half for another chance, again to the Reds, as Josh Scowen hit a 25 yard effort just over the bar.
The rain was lashing down onto the Oakwell surface making conditions difficult under foot for both sides, with tackles being mistimed and passes going astray.
With moments of the first half remaining both goalkeepers were called into action as Tuton fired off a shot which Campbell saved with his legs. Bolton quickly broke from their own box, and Nick Townsend then saved well to deny Jamie Thomas.
The second half began with a succession of fouls. Scowen was ever-present in the action and found himself getting brought down on more than one occasion, but nothing came from the free kicks.
With 20 minutes remaining, Matty Templeton broke from defence and hit a powerful effort at goal but Campbell stood firm to deny the Reds again.
The only goal of the match finally came, as new-signing Otis Khan found space out left and whipped in a dangerous cross which was deflected over the head of goalkeeper Harry Campbell and in to the Bolton net.
With the last kick of the game Bolton had a chance to equalise from a 20 yard free kick, but Townsend pulled off another good save to give the Reds a deserved win.
Head of Academy Coaching Mark Burton gave his thoughts after another hard-fought win for his side.
“Difficult conditions today but I thought the lads did really well.” Explained Burton. “We adapted well to their shape, we expected them to come with a diamond but they played a 3-5-2.
“The quality on the day was difficult, we were two quite evenly matched sides and the goal was slightly fortuitous. We stuck our necks on the loan and rode out a good 1-0 win.
“Winning becomes a habit” Burton added. “We’ve seen that in the firs team as well. We showed grit and determination in adverse weather conditions. The new lads have settled in really well, Otis got the winning goal and the other lads looked lively.
“Robbo (Mark Roberts) and Jack (Cowgill) were outstanding at the back and Nick (Townsend) was superb in goal. All around a good performance and it was nice to get Josh Scowen back out onto the pitch as well.
“The feel good factor is brilliant at the minute. The first team are doing great and that passes down the line. The under 18s got a good win against Bolton as well on Saturday, they are a big club so to come away with two wins against them makes it a great weekend.”
Reds XI: Townsend (GK), Gooda, G. Smith, Cowgill, Roberts, McCourt (Abbott), Kay (Ash), Scowen (Harris), Khan, Tuton, Templeton.
Subs: Walton (GK), Drennan.
