Barnsley U23s host Huddersfield on Friday afternoon in the Professional Development League North.
The Reds will be aiming to bounce back from Monday’s 1-0 defeat against Everton in the Premier League Cup, where Anthony Evans’ second half strike was enough to secure all three points for the Toffees at Oakwell.
Two players looking to build on their impressive displays against Everton are goalkeeper Jake Greatorex and left-back Ben Williams, who caught the eye despite the Reds’ narrow loss.
Greatorex was one of the standout performers on Monday as he brilliantly turned a Bassala Sambou penalty onto the bar, and pulled off a string of fine saves to keep the visitors at bay, while Williams gave a mature account of himself at full-back for Martin Devaney’s side.
Romal Palmer hobbled off midway through the first half against the Toffees, but the majority of the squad should be relatively fresh after a number of first team players featured in a bid to maintain match sharpness ahead of Tuesday evening’s clash with Burton Albion.
That could mean recalls for defenders Will Smith and Louis Wardle, winger Amir Berkovits and forward Victor Adeboyejo, who were named amongst the substitutes on Monday.
Huddersfield come into the game on the back of an impressive 3-2 victory over second-placed Sheffield Wednesday. It was the second consecutive win for Mark Hudson’s side, who thrashed bottom of the table Burnley 3-0 on 5 February.
Barnsley are currently two places and one point above the Terriers, but will need to be wary of the threat posed by Friday’s visitors having lost the previous encounter 4-1 earlier this campaign.
Joe Lolley proved to be the match winner back in November at PPG Canalside as he struck a devastating hat-trick to claim the spoils for the hosts. Lolley has now moved on a permanent basis to Nottingham Forest, so he is one name that definitely won’t feature. Stevie Mallan was on target for the Reds, while young striker Regan Booty opened the scoring for Huddersfield.
Victory for Devaney’s young charges on Friday at the Oakwell Training Ground will put them within one point of fifth place Hull City, who aren’t in action until Monday when they face Sheffield Wednesday.
You can come and watch the young Reds in action; kick off is at 1pm on the Oakwell Training Ground, entry is FREE for all fans.
Fans are reminded that parking is ONLY PERMITTED in the South Stand car park. Fans DO NOT have access to the North Stand car park or on-street parking which is for residents ONLY.
