Our U23s are on the brink of making the Professional Development League end of season play-offs.
A 3-2 win at Watford on Monday afternoon, coupled with Nottingham Forest’s defeat against Ipswich Town, means the young Reds are in third place heading into the final round of fixtures.
Martin Devaney’s side welcome Cardiff City to Oakwell on Bank Holiday Monday looking to set-up a semi-final tie with southern section winners Bristol City.
The young Reds have amassed 40 points so far this campaign – more than any other side in the club’s history at this age group – and several players have been involved in first team matchday squads over the course of the season.
It’s likely to be an entertaining encounter against the Bluebirds, who have won nine of their last 15 matches and lost six – including a 6-1 hammering at home to Coventry City on Tuesday afternoon.
In the midst of that run was a 6-1 victory over Wigan Athletic, while they also suffered a 5-4 defeat against Charlton Athletic, so you can probably expect goals when the South Wales outfit turn up on Grove Street.
Crucial to Barnsley’s lofty league position was a nine-game unbeaten run at the beginning of the campaign, which included seven wins. A dip in form at the turn of the year threatened to derail any play-off prospects, but our youngsters have rallied in recent weeks and have lost just once in eight matches, picking up 15 points in the process.
Our U23s require results elsewhere to go their way on the final day to secure a top two finish, but it has been a tremendous campaign all the same.
Due to the club’s ongoing commitment to highlight and combat the negative impact of discrimination with our social media boycott, there will be no coverage of this game on our official Academy Twitter account or any other official social media platform.
We will provide build-up in the days leading up to the game on our website as well as a match report and highlights package.