In another valuable pre-season run-out for Barnsley, the Reds fell to a late defeat against Grimsby Town.
Lloyd Isgrove doubled his pre-season tally, giving his side a well deserved first half lead.
Despite Siriki Dembele’s early second-half equaliser, the game quietened down after the break with ten changes being made for Paul Heckingbottom's Reds.
But on a rainy afternoon in Lincolnshire, a late Brandon Robinson strike proved enough to give the hosts the win, in our second friendly of the summer.
The Reds were unlucky not to break the deadlock in the first ten minutes. A well worked corner ended up at the feet of Liam Lindsay, in space, who then attempted a delicate chip over the goalkeeper from a tight angle, only to see his effort hooked away in a last ditch effort.
Amazingly for a pre-season encounter, challenges were hotly contested with both sides showing no remorse. Sessi D’Almeida and Sam Kelly had an ongoing battle of challenges, with the former coming out on top.
Looking comfortable in possession and threatening going forward, Barnsley’s pressure eventually paid dividends, as the 700+ travelling Reds fans saw their favourites go ahead after 38 minutes.
Having broken away and beaten two men in the process, George Moncur’s cross was inadvertently deflected onto the post by over-stretching centre-back Nathan Clarke, leaving Isgrove the easiest of opportunities to open the scoring, tapping home from six yards.
Heckingbottom’s side continued to dominate possession up until the half time whistle, with Mowatt and Moncur both dictating play from central positions.
HALF TIME: Grimsby 0-1 The Reds
Immediately after the restart, the scores were levelled. Town forward Dembele made the most of a long ball before slotting home past Reds 'keeper Adam Davies.
Having reacted well to the equaliser, with Tom Bradshaw and Andy Yiadom both going close to restoring the Reds lead, substitutions were made which completely changed the complexion and feel of the encounter.
With 10 substitutions made before the 65 minute mark, the game became increasingly fragmented.
A quiet period followed, as the younger members of the squad looked to make an impact, some of them having played last night for the U23s.
New man Stevie Mallan came close on a couple of occasions from dead ball situations, but it was the hosts that would have the final say...
With only five minutes left on the clock, Barnsley were unable to clear an in-swinging corner, giving Grimsby the perfect opportunity to take the lead. And it was a trialist in Robinson who smashed home from close range.
FULL TIME: Grimsby 2-1 The Reds
Attendance 1903 - 770 Reds Fans.
