Barnsley U23s suffered a frustrating defeat in the South Yorkshire derby on Tuesday afternoon.
A double from Fraser Preston either side of the break ensured that Sheffield Wednesday left the Oakwell Training Ground with all three points in tough weather conditions.
The young Reds got off to the worst possible start as Preston slipped the ball past Corey Addai and got his name on the scoresheet inside the opening three minutes.
Martin Devaney’s side attempted to find a way back into the game, with Aiden Marsh often the focal point of attack, however, neither he nor strike partner Tommy Willard were able to seriously threaten Josh Render’s goal.
The referee’s half-time whistle signified the end of a balanced first half in adverse weather conditions with all still to play for.
HALF-TIME: Barnsley 0-1 Sheffield Wednesday
Barnsley came closest to an equaliser just after the restart, when a scintillating low driven cross flashed across the Wednesday goalmouth was unable to be turned home by any Reds attacker.
Ten minutes into the second half, Owls’ skipper Alex Hunt was shown a straight red card for a rash challenge on Alex Wollerton.
Devaney attempted to change his side’s attacking fortunes with the introduction of Angus Chapman and Charlie Winfield just after the hour mark.
However, with just over ten minutes to go and despite the numerical disadvantage, it was in fact Wednesday who drew blood again. Preston doubled his tally with a neat finish, in similar style to his first.
The young Reds looked to find a way back into the game late on, with a series of set-pieces around the visiting goal. Nevertheless, Barnsley were unable to find a late consolation, and ended a frustrating game in an equally frustrating defeat.
REDS XI: Addai, Wollerton, Gagen, Omar, Pinillos, Taylor (Martin, 78), Erhahon, Barnett, Willard (Winfield, 70), Splatt (Chapman, 64), Marsh.
Not used: Brown, Ward.
OWLS XI: Render, Dawodu, Galvin, Brennan, Lee, Bates, Grant, Hunt (c), Borokov, Shaw, Preston.
Subs: Jackson, Hughes, Aguas, Hidalgo, Stobbs.