Our U18s overcame adversity to beat Peterborough United 4-1 at the Oakwell Training Ground on Saturday.

Alex Anaman’s second half hat-trick was added to late on by Leo Farrell to cap off a brilliant display and ensure the young Reds made a dream start to the New Year.

The opening exchanges were fierce and lively, with Barnsley looking the most dangerous of the two sides early on as Theo Chapman and Hayden Pickard tested Matthew Laycock in the Posh goal.

As the contest progressed, our U18s continued to assert their dominance with Anaman and Mylan Benjamin both frustrated by the visiting goalkeeper.

Barnsley continued to control possession until five minutes before the break, when Peterborough took the lead against the run of play. A quickly taken corner was crossed into the box and tapped in by an unmarked James Donnelly at the back post, and we went in at half-time behind.

HALF-TIME: Barnsley 0-1 Peterborough United

As torrential rain swept across South Yorkshire, our youngsters struggled to find the rhythm that had made them such an attacking force in the first period, but eventually got into their stride as Farrell picked out Anaman, who couldn’t convert from close range.

However, Anaman wouldn’t be denied at the next time of asking as he confidently prodded in after being found unmarked by Jean Claude Makiessi shortly before the hour mark.

It was no less than Barnsley deserved and, just six minutes later, Anaman doubled his tally when Josh McKay played a superb through ball for our forward to race onto and slot through the legs of Leacock to make it 2-1.

And when Leacock was unable to keep hold of Pickard’s thunderous drive, Anaman was on hand to turn home his third of the encounter to complete a 10 minute hat-trick and put our U18s in total control.

Barnsley’s attacking efforts were rewarded once more in the dying embers of the game as McKay conjured an exceptional solo run before squaring for Farrell to fire past the keeper.

The victory keeps Nicky Eaden’s side top of the Professional Development League North – three points clear of nearest challengers Sheffield United.

FULL-TIME: Barnsley 4-1 Peterborough United

REDS XI: Ravenhill (GK), Kozluk, Benjamin, Bland, Hickingbottom (C), Pickard, Yoganathan, Makiessi, Anaman, Chapman, Monteiro.

Subs: Carter-Rodgers (GK), McKay, Joof, Farrell, Graham.