Barnsley’s Under 18s made it seven unbeaten in all competitions after a 0-0 draw Peterborough United on Saturday afternoon.

Both sides had great chances to get a winner with Barnsley having a strong penalty claim ignored and Reds striker Fabio Jalo forcing a wonder save from Posh keeper William Lakin.

The visitors were quick out of the blocks, getting a corner in the opening minute and, although the set-piece came to nothing, the tempo was set for the young Reds to push on.

However, United, who sat second bottom of the Professional Development League North with high flying Barnsley up in second, still had early chances with the front three being used strongly on counters to utilise their pace to get in behind.

This counter-attacking tactic used by the home side was a real danger for the developing backline. Nevertheless, the young defenders showed strong resilience to recover quickly and keep these threats away from Archie Brown in our goal.

Barnsley continued to pressurise their young counterparts with two quick corners leading to strong saves from the Posh stopper.

As the first half progressed and fatigue began to set in, the game became end to end with Peterborough looking more dangerous in transition as home winger Reuben Marshall got in behind for the first time, but he hit his shot off balance and consequently sliced high and wide of the goal.

Just five minutes later, Posh were in behind again but Brown was equal to the shot and the danger was cleared.

HALF-TIME: Peterborough United 0-0 Barnsley

Like the start of the first half, the opening 10 minutes of the second were all Barnsley as they searched for an way through, with the first chance falling to Jalo. However, his effort was saved incredibly by the fingertips of Lakin who somehow tipped it onto the crossbar.

Moments later, the Reds had a strong claim for a spot-kick turned down when Jalo appeared to be brought down in the box after getting to the ball in front of the defender. Despite protestations from the visiting bench and players, the referee only awarded a corner.

After this penalty shout, Peterborough rallied after a sloppy start and they won a free-kick in a dangerous area that was well-worked – straight from the training ground – but Brown reacted quickly and managed to use lightning reflexes to get to the ball first.

With the game becoming more and more expansive, the opening goal seemed inevitable and Posh came close through Kellan Hickinson, who saw his strike from distance tipped round the post by Brown.

Reds substitute Hayden Pickard made an impact with his cross picking out Ben Hall, but his half volley sailed wide of the mark.

Barnsley’s best chance of the half was Charlie Hickingbottom’s strong header from close range that fizzed narrowly past the upright.

In the end, it was a valuable point for Tom Harban’s side, who maintained their impressive unbeaten run.

FULL-TIME: Peterborough United 0-0 Barnsley

REDS XI: Brown (GK), Hall, Lacey, Doyle, Benson, Murchison, Makiessi, Hickingbottom, Smith, Jalo, Hartley.

Subs: Ravenhill, Pickard, Benjamin, Hyde, Dyer.