Our U18s were beaten 3-0 by Feralpisalò in the second game of their training camp in Italy.
Three first half goals for the hosts were enough to sink our young Reds in what was a blazing hot Brescia on Friday afternoon.
The game started slowly, with neither side probing the opposition's defence in the opening exchanges.
It was the home side who broke the deadlock in the 13th minute, after a searching ball to the back stick found an onrushing attacker who side-footed home from close range.
No real action preceded the water break in the 25th minute, as was the extremity of the temperature at the Centro Sportivo Mario Rigamonti.
Shortly after the restart, Feralpisalò doubled their lead. The number 9 drove with the ball and finished well into the bottom left corner just after the half hour mark.
The Feralpisalò striker then doubled his tally for the afternoon in the 37th minute, after he picked up a loose ball in the area and prodded home from close range.
HALF-TIME: Feralpisalò 3-0 Barnsley
Our young Reds flew out of the blocks after the restart. Fabio Jalo found himself through on goal from a tight angle, but his powerful low drive was saved by the keeper with his legs.
The Reds continued to apply pressure but could not find an opener before the water break that
ensued for the second period.
Despite persistent pressure in the final third from the Reds, we couldn't find a breakthrough and time was called on a tough, physical test for our youngsters.
FULL-TIME: Feralpisalò 3-0 Barnsley
REDS XI: Ravenhill (GK), Murchison, Hickingbottom, Trialist, Monteiro, Hyde, Makiessi, Bland,
Chapman (C), McKay, Dyer.
Subs: Flavell (GK), Anaman, Joof, Pickard, Lacey, Benjamin, D. Benson.
