Our U18s thrashed Ipswich Town 7-2 on Friday afternoon to secure a place in the Professional Development League end of season play-offs.

Matty Doyle, Josiah Dyer, Jonathan Bland, Josh McKay, Leo Farrell and Hayden Pickard all managed to get on the scoresheet as the young Reds demolished their beleaguered visitors.

Barnsley took the lead within minutes of the first whistle as a corner fell to the feet of Doyle, who took a touch and smashed into the back of the net on the half-volley to get Nicky Eaden’s side off to the perfect start in South Yorkshire.

However, the lead didn’t last long as Ipswich equalised rapidly when a cross from the left was beautifully glanced backwards by the Tractor Boys’ trialist, looping over Trent Carter-Rogers in the Reds’ goal.

We were awarded a penalty shortly after for a handball against an unfortunate Ipswich defender, and Dyer confidently stepped up to coolly convert and re-establish the lead.

It wouldn’t be long before our young Reds doubled their advantage, and it duly came as Emmaisa Nzondo stormed down the left flank before picking out the onrushing Bland, who powered his header beyond the goalkeeper.

HALF-TIME: Barnsley 3-1 Ipswich Town

Just after the hour mark, we had our fourth of the encounter when McKay won possession back in a dangerous position before crashing a thunderous drive across goal that nestled perfectly in the far corner.

Bland then had his second of the afternoon as Pickard’s free-kick from deep found our skipper on the edge of the box. The midfield maestro showed excellent control and finesse to fire the ball into the bottom left corner.

Soon after entering the field, Farrell bagged goal number six. Ruthless pressure from our U18s kept the visitors pinned in their own defensive third before the striker pounced on some sloppy passing play to slot past the keeper, firmly putting Barnsley in cruise control.

Ten minutes from time, Pickard joined in on the action as drove forward with intent before unleashing a cannon of a shot towards the far corner that almost took the pegs out as it soared into the net.

Ipswich claimed a late consolation goal through Ashton Boswell, who capitalised on a loose ball in the area to convert the rebound after Carter-Rogers had saved an initial effort.

Just before the final whistle, Farrell almost netted an eighth as he was picked out on the penalty spot. However, his effort ballooned over the crossbar and out for a goal-kick.

It was an impressive performance and result for our U18s, who maintain their lead at the Professional Development League summit.

FULL-TIME: Barnsley 7-2 Ipswich Town

REDS XI: Carter-Rogers, McKay, Pickard, Doyle, Joof, Hickingbottom, Bland, Makiessi, Dyer, Monteiro, Nzondo.

Subs: Ravenhill, Yoganathan, Kozluk, Farrell, Graham.