Barnsley U23s host Newcastle United on Tuesday afternoon in their final pre-season friendly this summer.
The young Reds conclude their preparations ahead of the forthcoming Professional Development League campaign against a Magpies side that reached the PL2 Division 2 play-off final last season.
It proved to be one step too far for the Toon, who lost 2-1 to Southampton after recording a fourth place finish – just three points off top spot.
Newcastle also suffered heartbreak in the Premier League Cup final as they were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Everton at Goodison Park in May.
The Magpies are now being coached by former Barnsley midfielder Neil Redfearn following his departure from Liverpool Women almost 12 months ago.
Martin Devaney’s side will be looking to build on their impressive performance against Stoke City on Friday, where they held the Potters to a 2-2 draw at the Oakwell Training Ground.
Like City, Newcastle are a Category 1 academy, so the Reds will be testing themselves against another strong opposition as they aim to improve on last season’s seventh place finish.
Barnsley ended the campaign with a remarkable 12-game unbeaten run, form that they have carried into pre-season with five wins and one draw so far this summer.
New signings Chris Sang, Keaton Ward and Alex Wollerton have settled well into the squad, while the development of regular starters from the previous term will be particularly pleasing for Devaney.
You can see how our youngsters fare against the Magpies by attending the game for FREE at the Oakwell Training Ground, kick-off at 2pm.
Alternatively, you can follow updates from our official Academy Twitter account: @AcademyBFC.
Any supporters wishing to attend this game are politely reminded not to park on Grove Street, but to park in the CK Beckett South Stand car park.
