Barnsley U23s travel to Colchester United on Monday evening as the Professional Development League campaign reaches its latter stages.
The young Reds staged an incredible fightback in their last outing against Bolton Wanderers to come from 3-1 down in the last six minutes thanks to two goals from Amir Berkovits at Leyland.
Martin Devaney’s side haven’t lost since the start of January and have since gone on a six-game unbeaten streak. Anything but defeat at the JobServe Community Stadium would see Barnsley leapfrog Sheffield United into sixth place, depending on how the Blades fare away to Cardiff City.
Barnsley have also shored up defensively in recent weeks – a trait that has been crucial to this fine run of form, with four clean sheets in eight games.
Colchester, meanwhile, are bottom of the south league and have conceded 60 goals so far this campaign – almost three per game – including eight in their last two outings.
Defensive fragility has perhaps been the U’s downfall this season, with the floodgates appearing to open on occasion. Heavy defeats away to Queen’s Park Rangers (6-2) and Cardiff City (7-0) are evidence to this, but Kevin Horlock’s side won the reverse fixtures on home soil, both 2-1.
In fact, four of Colchester’s five wins have come at home, while the U’s only other point was also collected at the JobServe.
Top scorer Eoin McKeown is currently on loan at Vanarama National League South outfit Wealdstone, so Colchester could turn to Ken Charles or Louis Dunne to spearhead their attack.
You can find out how the young Reds fare by following updates on our official Academy Twitter account: @AcademyBFC.
