Pyke brace paves the way to victory
- Town Under-23s win at Barnsley- Rekeil Pyke (2) and Jack Boyle score in 3-0 win
- Philip Billing & Joel Coleman both play
Huddersfield Town’s Under-23 side put in an excellent all-round performance to secure a comprehensive 3-0 victory at Barnsley in the Professional Development League on Friday afternoon.
A brace from striker Rekeil Pyke (pictured) and late finish from attacking midfielder Jack Boyle gave Senior Professional Development Coach Frankie Bunn’s side a deserved victory at Barnsley’s training ground, which is situated right next to Oakwell.
The young Terriers were on the front foot for the large majority of the game, passing the ball excellently at times and pressing well out of possession.
Already top of the PDL North table going into the game, Bunn had no overage players in his line-up. However, First Team squad members Joel Coleman and Philip Billing both started; the latter’s suspension following his red card in Monday’s Under-23 game hasn’t started yet.
Barnsley’s side was similarly young and included former Town player Jake Charles in attack.
Town’s youngsters set the tone inside 30 seconds when they could consider themselves unlucky not to be awarded a penalty as Boyle looked to be fouled in the area.
Billing blasted just wide from range on the quarter hour mark before Pyke headed over a Jack Boyle cross as Town continued to make the running.
A great passing move on the half hour mark presented right winger Luca Colville with a great shooting opportunity, but the Academy scholar hit his effort straight at goalkeeper Tom Brown.
However, the first goal did come six minutes later – and it was worth the wait. Trialist left back Alex O’Hanlon, formerly of Liverpool FC, was making his sixth appearance for the Development Squad and sent over a superb cross from the left, allowing striker Pyke to volley from close range at the back post.
The impressive Boyle then had a free kick saved from around 20 yards out as the first half came to a close.
The second half started with Town still on top and the second goal soon followed. A swift counter-attack gave Boyle the chance to deliver a cross from the left and he made no mistake, with his excellent delivery being headed home by Pyke for his fifth of the Under-23 season.
Irishman Sam Warde, playing on the left on the day, had a shot deflected wide barely three minutes later after another excellent breakaway.
Town’s standards dropped slightly after the second goal as Barnsley started to create a few chances, only to find Coleman unbeatable. The big goalie had two saves of note to make in the game, with the first coming in the 75th minute; a strong push around the post from Dylan Mottley-Henry’s low drive.
The Terriers netted the game’s final goal in the 82nd minute; another superb team effort. Coleman’s quick release gave Jacob Hanson the chance to find Boyle and he played a smart one-two with Pyke before dribbling through the centre halves and finishing comprehensively from 18 yards.
The last meaningful action of the game came through Coleman, who executed a stunning save from a mere six yards to preserve his clean sheet and deny Mottley-Henry again.
Highlights of the game will appear on HTTV next week!
Town’s team (4-2-3-1):
Joel Coleman; Alex O’Hanlon, Danny Kane, Jacob Hanson, Jordan Williams; Philip Billing (Fraser Horsfall, 75’), Regan Booty (c); Sam Warde, Jack Boyle, Luca Colville; Rekeil Pyke
Unused subs:
Tadhg Ryan, Dylan Cogill, Dom Tear, Cedwyn Scott
Town booking:
Regan Booty (54)
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