Our U18s continued their pre-season preparations with a tremendous performance on Saturday afternoon as they romped to a 5-2 victory over Lincoln City.
Two headers from Josiah Dyer were added to by Vimal Yoganathan, Alex Joof and Mylan Benjamin in a dominant display from Keith Briggs’ young Reds on Open Day.
Supporters at the Showcase Pitch were treated to a feast of goals, with Barnsley racing into an early two-goal lead inside 15 minutes.
Dyer, who had already seen a penalty saved by the visiting keeper, met two Fabio Jalo crosses from the left, first expertly flicking into the far corner and then powering a thumping header in at the near post.
Lincoln reduced the arrears midway through the half as their centre forward floated a precision header into the top corner from a set-piece.
But the Reds soon regained their two-goal margin as Yoganathan picked up a loose ball and fired an unerring strike into the bottom corner from 20-yards.
Shortly after, Joof rose highest to plant Hayden Pickard’s inswinging corner down off the ground and into the roof of the net to add more gloss to what was a fine performance.
HALF-TIME: Barnsley 4-1 Lincoln City
Just after the hour mark, the Reds stretched their advantage even further as Benjamin capitalised on a misplaced pass from the Imps' keeper before showing excellent composure to slot beyond the defender on the line.
With time running out, Briggs rung the changes as a host of U15s entered the fray to replace weary legs in the blistering South Yorkshire heat.
The fledglings gave a fine account of themselves against players three or four years their senior, refusing to shy out of challenges and still searching for runs in behind.
Lincoln netted a late consolation with one minute remaining, sweeping home from close range amongst a melee of bodies.
But it did little to take the shine off what was a wonderful display from our U18s, who will be looking to go from strength to strength after last season’s play-off finish.
FULL-TIME: Barnsley 5-2 Lincoln City
