Pyke nets brace in win at PPG Canalside
- Town's U18 side beats Barnsley 4-3
- Striker Rekeil Pyke nets a brace
- Jack Boyle and Adam Edgar also find the net
Town’s Under-18 side got three points from a pulsating game against visitors Barnsley in the Professional Development League 2 North at PPG Canalside on Saturday morning.
Tony Carss’ side was dealt a blow ahead of the game when centre back Callum Elliott rolled his ankle in the warm-up, meaning Dylan Cogill’s return from injury was expedited as he stepped up from the bench.
Despite that, it was attacking midfielder Jack Boyle – captaining the side in the absence of usual skipper Jamie Spencer – who gave his side a lead inside seven minutes with a curling effort that went in off the bar.
Barnsley made it level at the interval through a stunning strike from Sam Otley, who screamed a shot into the top corner from around 30 yards out.
Town striker Rekeil Pyke (pictured above), a regular for the Under-21s this season, then grabbed a brace just after the hour mark to put his side in control. First the second year scholar swept the ball into the empty net after receiving a square pass and barely a minute later, he headed home from inside the area.
He was replaced soon after by Australian Adam Edgar and the youngster got on the score-sheet himself, flicking home a cross.
Wade Maxwell and Mo Saeed got two goals back to make the final minutes of stoppage time nervy for the home supporters, but Town held firm to secure three points.
Highlights of the game will appear on HTTV on Monday.
Town’s team (4-2-3-1):
Owen Brooke; Harry Clibbens, Dylan Cogill (Mason O’Malley, 46), Jordan Williams, Sam Gibson; Alfie Raw (Dominic Tear, 57), Sam Warde; Luca Colville, Jack Boyle (c), Lewis O’Brien; Rekeil Pyke (Adam Edgar, 64)
Unused sub:
Ryan Schofield
