Barnsley’s reserves showed no ring rust after a year out of the game by banishing local rivals Sheffield Wednesday 4-1 at Oakwell last night.
It was the first time the second string had been in action in over a year after previous manager Simon Davey opted not to have a reserve side last season, but they showed no remorse in taking apart the men from down the A61.
New signings Liam Dickinson and Jeronino Neumann were on the score-sheet along with youngster Danny Fearnehough in a strong side that featured David Preece, Luke Potter, Jacob Butterfield, Martin Devaney and Iain Hume- players with a combined total of 279 first team appearances under their belt.
The only surprise was that it took 26 minutes for the first goal to arrive. After sustained pressure, Liam Dickinson smartly finished past Owls stopper Arron Jameson. It was the 20 year old goalkeeper’s second appearance at Oakwell in less than a month after being the impressive man between the sticks in the pre-season friendly between Barnsley and Wednesday back in July.
He conceded his second goal within minutes when Dickinson went from scorer to creator, nodding a long ball into the path of Jeronimo who rifled an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.
Barnsley made it 3-0 before the break and Dickinson was again prominent. The 24 year old, whose arrival has been much criticised, sped away down the wing before presenting a tap in to Jeronimo.
The goals dried up somewhat after the break but there was still time for a fourth on 62 minutes. Iain Hume’s cross ping balled around the area before dropping for 18 year old Fearnehough who finished with aplomb.
Wednesday were well and truly demoralised but managed to grab a goal back with their first effort on goal after 72 minutes. Patrick Lacey’s first effort struck Potter but he then curled a beauty beyond Preece on the rebound.
BARNSLEY: Preece, Stones, Carlisle, Butterfield, Branson, Potter, Hume, Fearnehough, Dickinson (Bennett 45), Neumann (Noble-Lazarus 68), Devaney (Taylor 58).
Subs: Boulding, Yun, Gorman, Martin.
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY: Jameson, Barnett, Haywood, Boden, Eckhardt, Magill (Poulton 53), Cottingham, Palmer, Oliver (Cardwell 45), Lacey, Modest.
Subs: Pinhorn, Cuff, Nyoni, Mir, Kendal.