Barnsley U23s host Crystal Palace at Oakwell on Monday 2 September.
The young Reds are looking to bounce back from the 4-1 defeat at Bristol City in their last outing and continue their fine performances from earlier in the season.
Elliot Simoes has been in particularly lethal form so far this term, netting three goals already in the Professional Development League campaign and insists his side are focussing on getting back to winning ways against the Eagles.
“I’m looking forward to the game,” said Simoes. “Obviously, our previous game against Bristol City was very hard – they had some very good players with lots of quality. It was a challenge that we needed so we can see the difference between top players.
“It was tough, but we’ve been training well and now we’re thinking about Crystal Palace and getting a win.
“We’re still confident. We lost our first game of the season, but were on a really good run before that and we know we’re capable of picking up wins – like against Cardiff – and climbing up the table.”
The dynamic forward joined Barnsley from FC United of Manchester in January and has picked up where he left off last season, where he scored his first goal for the club on the final day at Watford.
Capable of playing out wide or through the middle, Simoes is confident in his ability and hopeful of continuing his prolific streak.
“In every game I’m trying to pick up a goal or assist to try and help the team,” continued the 19-year-old. “I know I’ve been on a good run and I’m going to try and keep it going.”
Palace travel to South Yorkshire on the back of a 3-1 defeat at home to Hull City, having picked up four points from their opening two games.
Richard Shaw’s side were hit by two goals in two minutes from the Tigers’ Ahmed Salam and, despite clawing a goal back through Malachi Boateng just before the interval, were unable to claim anything from the game once Alhagi Sisay netted again for the visitors midway through the second half.
“It just shows that, even though they’re a good team and are known for having big players, anything can happen in a game,” said Simoes. “Even though we lost against Bristol City, we know we can beat Crystal Palace and it gives us a lot of confidence.”
You can watch Martin Devaney’s side in action at Oakwell on Monday by attending the game for FREE – entrance via the West Stand ONLY. Kick-off at 1pm.
Alternatively, you can follow updates on 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.
