The young Reds quickly raced to a 3-0 lead in the opening 30 minutes with goals from Rhys Oates, Omari Alexander-Salmon and George Maris, but Stevenage pulled one back through Joseph N'Guessan before half-time which seemed to spark them into action and they created more and more opportunities.
On the hour mark Stevenage's pressure paid off and Rohdell Gordon made it 3-2 to set up a tense half hour. Ten minutes later persistence from Rhys Oates on the edge of the box paid off when Harrison Biggins was brought down for a Reds penalty which was despatched by Brad Abbott to make it 4-2.
Stevenage, to their credit, did not give up and in stoppage time added a third of their own through George Allen from a corner, but with just 90 seconds to play Barnsley held on for a 4-3 victory.
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To watch Reds Academy coach Chris Howarth's post match reaction click here
To watch all the goals from tonight's match click here
