U23S PREVIEW | SHEFFIELD UNITED (H)

27 September 2021

Our U23s return to action on Tuesday afternoon, hosting Sheffield United in their first South Yorkshire derby of the campaign.

Martin Devaney’s side will be looking to produce a response having suffered a 4-0 defeat on the road against Millwall last week.

They have already demonstrated their resilience this season, beating Queens Park Rangers 2-1 last month a week after a disappointing loss at home to Charlton Athletic.

Barnsley will face a Blades side also looking to bounce back from defeat, following a 2-0 reverse at the hands of Cardiff City.

The young Reds currently sit bottom of the Professional Development League North, although it is early days and just three points separate them and third-placed Sheffield United.

The two sides last met in February, when the spoils were shared after United fought back from going two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw.

They went on to face Birmingham City in the national final, but the Blues prevailed, clinching a 2-0 victory at Bramall Lane.

Opposition Guide

Manager: Paul Heckingbottom

Former Reds boss Heckingbottom will be in charge of the opposition, having returned to his role as U23s manager at Bramall Lane after a temporary spell in charge of the first team.

He cut his teeth as a coach within our youth ranks, before eventually becoming Head Coach in the senior set-up.

The 44-year-old went on to have stints at Leeds United and Hibernian but is now back in youth football with the Blades.

One To Watch: Hassan Ayari

A technically gifted attacking midfielder, Ayari is certainly one to keep an eye on.

He has already represented Tunisia at youth level, impressing in the U20 African Cup of Nations earlier this year.

Live text commentary will be provided on our Academy Twitter feed (@AcademyBFC) and a match report will follow the final whistle here on: barnsleyfc.co.uk

Supporters are reminded that this fixture will be played behind closed doors.

Match Reports

U23S SUFFER DEFEAT IN SOUTH YORKSHIRE DERBY

28 September 2021

Our U23s fell to a 3-1 defeat against Sheffield United in the Professional Development League on Tuesday afternoon.

The early stages were relatively uneventful but eventually gave way to a hectic period, during which three goals were scored in the space of four minutes.

Sheffield United took the lead through Angelo Cappello, who steered home after latching onto a teasing cross from Leo Gaxha.

However, the Reds struck back almost instantly when a trialist drilled into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

The visitors refused to be disheartened by the blow and restored their lead a minute later. Cappello met a cross from Andre Brooks and rifled beyond the Barnsley goalkeeper to clinch his second goal of the game.

Opportunities were at a premium for the remainder of the first half, but Barnsley almost drew level after a slick attacking move down the left flank. Rémy Vita released Tomas Kalinauskas and his low drive stung the palms of Blades stopper Marcus Dewhurst.

Sheffield United carved the Reds open on the stroke of half-time but Leo Gaxha dragged his effort wide from the left-hand side of the box.

HALF-TIME: Barnsley 1-2 Sheffield United

The Blades extended their lead early in the second half in bizarre fashion. A routine long punt from the visitors was headed into the Reds net by Jason Sraha as Barnsley’s goalkeeper rushed out.

Keen to regain a foothold in the game, Barnsley probed and went close when Vita surged into the box and forced Kyron Gordon to make an impressive block.

A trialist then stung the palms of Dewhurst before Barnsley were almost caught out by a floated cross, which Gordon headed over much to the relief of the Reds.

Although Martin Devaney’s men continued to commit numbers forward, they were up against a resolute defence that held strong.

They did, however, come agonisingly close to reducing the deficit when an excellent free-kick from Isaac Christie-Davies clipped the woodwork.

FULL-TIME: Barnsley 1-3 Sheffield United

REDS XI: Trialist (GK), Helliwell, Vita, Sraha (C), D Benson (Hassan-Smith, 68), Trialist, Thompson, Hondermarck, Cole (Bremang, 84), Christie-Davies, Kalinauskas (Trialist, 45).