Reds U18s 3 (Maris 2, Pilkington)
Ipswich U18s 2 (Ramadan, Smith o.g.)
Barnsley’s Under 18s showed great character and nous to stem the tide of an Ipswich Town comeback and claim all three points on the Oakwell Academy Complex.
A brace from George Maris and a goal on his return to the side from injury for Callum Pilkington saw the Under 18s bounce back from a Yorkshire derby defeat to Leeds.
George Maris latched onto a great diagonal ball from Dean Freeman before slotting home for 1-0. A mistake from the Tractor Boys goalkeeper saw Pilkington intercept and tee up Maris for his and Barnsley’s second.
The visitors hit back with two goals from Cemal Ramadan and a George Smith own goal before the break, but Callum Pilkington met a left-wing delivery to fire home the winner.
Head of Academy Coaching Mark Burton said, “We played some good football, especially in the first half. It was different after the break because Ipswich are a great side and we were under the cosh a little bit.
“We changed things around and were able to grab the winner thanks to a neat finish from Pilks (Callum Pilkington). We had a change in style and dropped George Maris that little bit deeper for a bit more energy in the middle and it worked.”
Burton is pleased to have seen a response from the youngsters, and is hopeful they can build on this victory with a Youth Cup upset against Newcastle at Oakwell next Tuesday.
“The lads have responded well but there’s not been much in recent games. We’ve played some good stuff and the kids haven’t been rewarded, but they have to accept that. They need to keep it up, it’s a tough ask against Newcastle next week in the Youth Cup where we need to bring our ‘A’ game and be at it from minute one. I can see us turning Newcastle over if we cut out the individual errors.”
