A team containing a mixture of Academy players and trialists were far too much for local non-league opposition on Friday evening.
A Barnsley FC XI were ruthless in this pre-season friendly outing.
Led by Under 23s Head Coach, Martin Devaney, the Reds raced in front at a packed Sheerien Park.
It took just four minutes for the opening goal as Will Calligan hit an unstoppable effort into the roof of the Rec goal.
Just two minutes later and the lead was doubled as the very lively Elliot Simoes burst forward and fired an effort beyond the despairing dive of Penguins 'keeper Ross Pritchard.
Simoes was denied his second by a smart save before on 16 minutes the third Reds goal, as a trialist slotted home in style after a superb counter-attacking move.
Portuguese forward Simoes rattled the post before the hosts found the net themselves, with Kai Hancock turning home inside the box.
The Rec could have made it 3-2 but Hague was thwarted by the upright and then a second trialist for the Reds stung Athersley, another free-flowing breakaway move finished in style for 4-1.
There was time for Sam Fielding to strike the woodwork with a free-kick before the interval.
HALF TIME: Rec 1-4 Reds
Early openings in the second period saw subs Chris Sang and Romal Palmer go close before the former did make it 5-1 to Devaney's side as he rounded the goalkeeper and rolled the ball into the empty net.
It was six soon afterwards, Sang at the double, and the home side were now looking in a world of trouble.
And with 20 minutes still to play, Palmer did get onto the scoresheet, adding Barnsley's seventh of the evening.
To Athersley's credit, they battled gamely to the end and the remaining time petered out somewhat, but it was a bright run-out for Devaney's youngsters as he looks to shape himself a squad together for this season's Professional Development League.
FULL TIME: Rec 1-7 Reds
