Barnsley U18s put on a fine display to bag three points and earn local bragging rights in their first Yorkshire derby of the season against Leeds United at the Oakwell Training Ground.
Two first half goals on Saturday, courtesy of Aiden Marsh and Charlie Winfield, secured the victory for the hosts, who have now won three of their last four matches.
Despite not being in match action last week due to adverse weather conditions, Barnsley still looked sharp and they had to be against a spirited United side, looking for their second win of the season.
The game began at a fast pace with an early mistake almost helping the visitors to snatch the lead.
Up at the other end, Brad Binns went close for Barnsley, as both sides had chances to open the scoring inside the opening ten minutes.
Leeds did have the ball in the net on 14 minutes, however the linesman had his flag raised. Six minutes later, though, the Reds were in front when Marsh worked space on the flank before cutting into the box and coolly slotting past the ‘keeper into the bottom corner.
The lead was then doubled when Winfield reacted quickly to tuck home a low ball across the face of goal.
Leeds still looked a threat going forward as the game approached half-time, however, the Reds’ defence stood firm to keep them at bay.
HALF-TIME: Barnsley 2-0 Leeds
Moments after the restart Will Calligan narrowly missed with a fizzing shot as Barnsley looked to put the game to bed.
Yet both teams went on to defend resolutely in the second half, thwarting each other in the final third.
Binns perhaps came closest with a powerful effort from distance, which stung the ‘keeper’s palms, who did well to get behind the shot.
It was an impressive performance for the Reds, who went on to claim the clean sheet and should travel to Hull City next week in good spirits.
REDS XI: Flavell, Hassan-Smith, Nicholson, Pache, Calligan (c), Lancaster, Binns, Winfield, Birks, Marsh, Sherlock.
Subs: Wooster, Walmsley, Ackroyd, Aleksiev, Sila-Conde.
LEEDS XI: Turner, Kachosa, Bray, Kenneh, Teale, Burlace, Rigby, Leverett, Kumwenda, Gibbon, Chikukwa.
Subs: Skerry, Moore, Amissah, Rubie, Spencer.