BARNSLEY under 18s visit local rivals Sheffield United in a top of the table clash tomorrow.
The Reds are currently 13 points clear at the top of the Professional Development League North, but the Blades have three games in hand.
Barnsley will look for a fifth successive win then they visit United’s academy tomorrow for an 11am kick-off.
They are coached by Reds legend Nicky Eaden who won youth leagues himself as a Barnsley youngster.
Eaden said: “The lads are excited.
“It’s always a big game against Sheffield United and the league positions just add to it.
“United have been doing well and don’t concede many goals.
“They are well-organised and hard-working with good players.
“We will be judged by how many of the players become professionals but it’s better to be in a winning environment.
“I was in the under 19s team who won the Northern Intermediates League under Eric Winstanley and about nine of us got pro deals because of that.
“There are some good footballers in this group and they are very coachable.
“Unlike the 21s, the 18s have got a settled squad so we can get a lot of work into them and they are in a good rhythm.
“I’ve enjoyed working with them this season.”
Barnsley won 5-1 at home to Hull City this week.
The visitors took the lead but Alex Anaman and Theo Chapman put Barnsley in front then Leo Farrell bagged a brace before Mylan Benjamin completed the rout.
Eaden said: “Hull haven’t been doing great but I warned them against being complacent.
“I thought that had backfired when we went 1-0 down after 20 seconds but we bounced back and played really good football.”
The under 18s are also due to visit Birmingham City on Tuesday.
Barnsley under 21s drew 1-1 at home to Coventry City on Tuesday.
The visitors took the lead with an early penalty then scored an own goal before half-time.
Oli Shaw hit the bar after ten seconds then missed four headed chances and was denied one-on-one by the goalkeeper.
Substitute Josiah Dyer missed two good second half chances while Reds goalkeeper Adam Hayton made some fines saves.
