Barnsley U23s travel to Nottingham Forest in the Professional Development League on Monday evening looking to build on their back-to-back wins.
Martin Devaney’s side secured impressive victories over Coventry City and Crewe Alexandra to end a run of three straight defeats and climb off the foot of the table.
Another three points at the Impact Arena on Monday could potentially see the Reds rise as high as fourth in the league, depending on results elsewhere, and striker Gerry McDonagh is aiming to fire Barnsley to victory on his return to Forest.
“We’re definitely looking to make it three in a row and even four then five, if we can,” said McDonagh. “But we’re only focussing on the next game.
“The two wins have been a major confidence boost for the lads – I didn’t play in the last game because I had a knock on my knee, but the lads did well. Hopefully I’ll be back in and around the squad for the Forest game.
“It’s good for morale, not just going into games but for the following week when we’re in training – it’s a much happier place to be.”
Forest are unbeaten in four meetings between the two sides - winning three of those encounters, with a 2-2 draw in November 2017 the closest Barnsley have come to victory.
Gareth Holmes’ team triumphed 4-2 the last time we travelled to Nottingham, with Virgil Gomis scoring twice for the hosts. The French hitman is the Professional Development League’s top scorer so far this campaign, with six goals in as many games.
However, McDonagh will be putting friendships to one side on Monday as he looks to get the better of his former side.
“I’m looking forward to it,” insisted the striker. “I have a point to prove, but that’s beyond me; I play for Barnsley now and I want to show them what they’re missing out on.
“I’ve got a few friends there, but there’s no friends on the football pitch is there? I speak to a few lads often, but it’s just been mainly fun banter.”
You can follow the match updates on our official Academy Twitter account from 7pm: @AcademyBFC.
