Barnsley (U21s) 2-0 Hull City (U21s)

Barnsley (U21s) 2-0 Hull City (U21s)
Professional Development League

Friday 3rd May 2024

Barnsley got the points in this game thanks to two goals by Theo Chapman.

In a game which was dominated by defenders (thus meaning there were few chances at either end), there was a very different-to-normal vibe around Oakwell for a few reasons.

For starters, the game was played on the training pitch (and not the Academy Pitch as is usually the case) because renovations on that surface have already begun. Kick-Off was brought forward a couple of hours to the earlier-than-usual time of 11.00am to allow more time to prepare for the Play-Off Semi-Final tie against Bolton Wanderers. There also happened to be no team-sheet (nor even a Barnsley line-up on Twitter) so apologies if I’ve got any names wrong, and finally there were also two trialists involved - one on either team and both of whom happened to be from Sheffield United.

Connor BARRATT (not to be confused with Connor Barrett at AFC Fylde - different player altogether) played the whole game in defence for Barnsley and his SUFC team-mate Ben Drake wore the No.6 shirt for Hull City.

Both were involved in nullifying plenty of things in their respective boxes in the early stages, but it was Barnsley who drew first blood with Theo Chapman beating Owen Foster with a low shot inside about a quarter-of-an-hour to make it 1-0.

Hull searched for an equaliser and had bits of pressure in the first half and from a set-piece, Ben Drake went close with a header that was off-target - but largely, the Tigers didn’t test Kieran Flavell too much which was down to the defending being of a high standard.

As half-time approached, Barnsley finished strongly and had a couple of chances up at the other end - one from a free-kick and another shot which wasn’t too far away, but it remained 1-0.

The Reds made altered things ahead of the second half with Charlie Hickingbottom introduced for Robbie Cundy at left centre-back and also picking up the captain’s armband in replacing him. He now played alongside Connor Barratt and as a consequence Hayden Pickard shuffled over from LCB to left-back, whilst Harrison Nejman (who began at right-back and has played a few games there recently) also moved into midfield to show what he can do in his usual role.

Initially, for a 15-20 minute spell in the second half, the Tigers looked good and were on top. Kieran Flavell was put under pressure a couple of times - including one where he used every inch of his height to pluck an attempted chip over him out of the air with his fingertips.

And then in arguably Hull’s best chance, Charlie Hickingbottom appeared to be blocked off from an inswinging free-kick, there was no whistle, which allowed Jack Leckie to get completely free in the box but the big Hull centre-back saw his free header come back off the base of the post much to his annoyance as he knew it was a golden chance.

It should have been 1-1 and as the remaining minutes passed, the determination from both teams was very evident. The intensity was good. Hayden Pickard put in a brilliant challenge to win the ball to thwart Hull which drew applause; likewise Kieran Graham (I think) made another good tackle a few minutes later which was just as impressive - and he put in a good shift in his time on the pitch, and even though it felt like Hull were on top at this point and might get an equaliser, the spirit in the Barnsley team to thwart them was evident.

The Reds still had bright moments up at the other end - none more so than when Owen Foster pulled off three strong-wristed and high quality saves within about a minute of each other, palming one effort away from Theo Chapman, then another, before a save at his near-post too.

But in the end, Barnsley beat him and got a second goal to kill the game.

Rocco Coyle tripped his man inside the box after he’d managed to get past him. The referee was left with no choice but to point to the penalty spot and Theo Chapman duly made it 2-0 and any hopes the Tigers harboured of taking something from the game were now gone.

It stayed that way but despite the result, it makes no real difference to how the final league table will look because Sheffield United and Birmingham City have already confirmed the Play-Off positions where they’ll look to become national champions.

Nevertheless, it was refreshing to watch this game because there was an alright intensity and a particular physicality about things. A few players made their presence felt (something you don’t always see in U21s football) and individually, there were five or six really strong performances from players on both teams.

Connor Barratt was very good for Barnsley - nipping in to win the ball numerous times, reading the game well and making lots of good contributions. Usually in games at Sheffield United he’s been ‘steady’ and sometimes you don’t even notice him because he goes about his business quietly, but this was 100% one of the best games I’ve seen him have and he gave a very good account of himself.

Likewise, Charlie Hickingbottom when he came on for Barnsley was good. He handled the physicality reasonably okay, produced a big headed clearance from a corner, and arguably his best contribution was his vocality - constantly talking, praising his team-mates and offering reassurance, organising things and being calm, cool and collected throughout the entirety of his 45 minutes. Never once did he look like he’d lose his head or be over-awed and that’s such a massive trait that will serve him well when he goes into men’s football which is probably the next stage now in his development. Plus I like the fact he’s good with his feet and can do a job adeptly in a CDM role too.

For Hull, Ben Drake coped well against Josiah Dyer and, despite the scoreline, won that particular battle and having not seen him play for Sheffield United for ages, it was good to see him involved in this game. He’s got a good frame and physique, wins plenty in the air, always looks up for a battle and wants to give his best and it’s why I rate him highly long before the unexpected surprise of turning up and seeing him in this game.

And Jack Leckie was decent too. Probably the best compliment I can give him is that from watching this game you could just tell he’s already played men’s football - such was his commandment and determination and how he set about things. He did well, it was noticeable for all the right reasons. It was good to watch and he was impressive. He’s got the perfect build for a centre-back - a towering figure at probably 6ft4 and a good background having spent time at Newcastle (where he’s from) and Burnley in the past. He showed glimpses of quality with his feet, was very vocal, should have scored (one of them where he didn’t - and it happens like that sometimes), but despite being on the wrong end of the scoreline he was good and I couldn’t fault his commitment or class.

All four of them stood out a mile and I’ve got every confidence that in 12 months from now (as long as they stay injury free) they’ll all be doing well in men’s football. The attributes, physicality, footballing intelligence in each of them is already present (just watching them you can see it). They need games. Having seen 270 games in the past two seasons - including about 100 youth games at various levels and having players to compare them against, I trust my own judgements, and all it needs is someone to put their belief in them and they’ll be rewarded with good quality, hard and aggressive defensive attributes.

And it’s so refreshing to see in an U21s game!

On top of that I’ll speak positively about Hayden Pickard. His tackle in the second half to win the ball, stop a Hull attack, and instantly look to get something going higher up the pitch was fantastic. Playing a part in a clean-sheet is a nice little reward for his effort, and he’s kicked on so much from where he was a couple of years ago to now look solid in this team. 

And likewise, Kieran Graham was good for Barnsley - producing another tackle where he won the ball, but showing a bit of grit and desire when Hull were getting on top but thwarting them with hard work, awareness and good positional sense to know where he needed to be. I don’t think I’ve seen him play before but that intelligence and reading of the game stood out, I think (and hope) there’s a few shades of Joe Ackroyd about him and a bit of a tenacious streak - certainly looks that way, and I’m looking forward to seeing him again because his characteristics in this short appearance were all positive and to be appreciated.

All in all, a good game, plenty of learning done, and it was worth the early start!