The 'Under 21’s' got off to a flying start after winning their first U21 Professional Development League game of the season 3-0 against Leeds. A brace from Jason Scotland and a late goal from Rhys Oates earned The Tykes three points at Oakwell.
Manager Paul Heckingbottom drafted some first-team contenders into the starting line-up including Jimmy McNulty, Reuben Noble-Lazarus and Jason Scotland to face a strong Leeds United side.
A steady first half saw both sides share possession, repeatedly cancelling each other out with Barnsley’s defence standing strong. Although there were few clear cut chances early on, the Barnsley front-men worked tirelessly to regain possession and pester the Leeds United defence.
Danny Rose came closest for Barnsley in the first half, after his header from close range managed to elude everything but the crossbar.
The second half started in familiar fashion with both sides having lengthy spells on the ball, however Barnsley upped their tempo towards the hour mark and began to play with some added intensity. Paul Heckingbottom then made two changes to the front men in an attempt to break the deadlock, bringing on Wade Joyce and Rhys Oates in place of John Cofie and Danny Rose.
The fresh legs made an immediate impact as Wade Joyce squared the ball to Jason Scotland, who slotted the ball home for the Tyke’s opening goal with only ten minutes left to play.
The Reds' second came in quick succession as Scotland cut back on the edge of the area to curl a shot into the bottom corner of the Leeds United goal. With only four minutes left on the clock and almost immediately after going two goals up, Reuben Noble-Lazarus charged forward before feeding the ball through to Rhys Oates who supplied the finishing touch and sealed a first victory of the campaign for Heckingbottom’s side.
Reds: Dibble, Patterson, Smith, Dicker, Tunnicliffe, McNulty, Cofie (Joyce 69), Noble-Lazarus, Rose (Oates 73), Scotland, Jennings.
Subs: Chadderton, Sousa, Biggins.
