Barnsley U23s fell to a 2-1 defeat against Hull City on a cold night at North Ferriby United’s Grange Lane.
Two goals from Ben Hinchliffe were enough to secure all three points for the Tigers after Louis Rowe had opened the scoring for Paul Harsley’s side.
The Reds fielded Jason McCarthy, Ethan Pinnock and Ryan Hedges, but were unable to find an equaliser despite creating the better chances after the interval.
It took 15 minutes for either side to create an opening, and it was Barnsley who capitalised first as McCarthy lofted a ball over the home defence. Hedges broke the offside trap and unselfishly squared for Rowe, who had the simple task of tapping the ball into an empty net.
But Hull responded on the half-hour mark with a flowing team move that was duly rounded off by Hinchliffe. The young forward fired home across Jake Greatorex and into the bottom corner after being picked out by Max Sheaf to level the scores.
Barnsley almost retook the lead instantly as Hedges showed his first team quality by dancing his way past two Tigers defenders before cutting in from the right and unleashing a curling effort that went just inches wide.
Moments later, Greatorex had to be at his best to deny Greg Olley as he plunged down to his right to tip the Hull forward’s low drive away.
The host continued to press and were eventually rewarded when Olley and Hinchliffe combined to devastating effect as the latter slammed home from close range to put Hull in front.
Greatorex was forced into action again seven minutes after the interval as he made a smart save to deny Tom Powell from close range.
Substitute Amir Berkovits and Hedges both fires dangerous crosses across the face of goal as the visitors pushed for a late equaliser, but no one in red was able to make any contact with the ball.
Victor Adeboyejo had the ball in the net late on, but the goal was ruled out as Louis Wardle had strayed offside in the build-up.
Despite a late Barnsley rally, Hull were able to hold on for three points to boost their Professional Development League play-off chances.
Reds XI: Greatorex, McCarthy, Barrett, Pinnock, Williams, Hedges (Swinburn, 87), Smith, Tingle (Wardle, 59), Walsh (Berkovits, 59), Rowe, Adeboyejo
Not used: Kendrick, Lund
Hull City XI: Burton, Clackstone, Yates, Batty, Mckenzie, Curry, Hamilton, Sheaf, Powell (Luer, 73), Olley, Hinchliffe
Not used: Saltmer, Ritson, Annan, Edwards