Barnsley U23s face Leeds United on Friday looking to bounce back from Monday’s 1-0 South Yorkshire derby defeat to Sheffield United.
The young Reds were unfortunate to leave Stocksbridge empty handed having dominated for most of the game, only to fall to Jordan Hallam’s superb strike midway through the first half.
But there were positives to take from the performance – particularly the execution of their high-pressing game plan and the sheer volume of chances created – and Jordan Barnett wants his side to continue progressing.
“We’ll move on from the defeat against Sheffield United, I think we had about eleven chances in the final third; it’s finishing where we were lacking,” said the Reds’ utility man. “But we’ll take it into the Leeds game and go with a positive performance, and hopefully build on that.
“We’re working on pressing and getting the ball back in the final third – we want to start finishing and get as many goals as we can so we can have a positive season.
“We need to be a bit more positive in the final third; our pressing is really good – we just need to work on our finishing because that’s letting us down at the minute. If we take our chances then I think we’ll go far in this league.”
Leeds come into the game having let a two-goal lead slip against Burnley on Monday afternoon, but still top the Professional Development League with just one defeat to their name this season.
Coached by Spaniard Carlos Corberán, the Whites have made an impressive start to the campaign – spearheaded by Jack Clarke and Sam Dalby.
However, Barnett - who celebrates his birthday on Saturday - is looking forward to another full-blooded derby when the two go head-to-head at the Oakwell Training Complex on Friday afternoon.
“They’re really good from playing out at the back and their three in midfield are decent,” continued the 19-year-old. “We just have to press high, make sure they can’t get the ball and take our chances when they come.
“I’m a local lad, so playing Sheffield United on Monday was a really good experience for me. I’m really looking forward to the Leeds game – another local derby. They’re top of the league, so it’s going to be a tough performance.”
You can find out how the young Reds fare on Friday by either attending the fixture at the Oakwell Training Complex, kick-off at 2pm, or by following the game on our official Academy Twitter account: @AcademyBFC.
