Words Ben McNamara | Picture Jonathan Moore

Barnsley 1 Altrincham 3

The young Robins kicked off their first game of the new National Football Youth League season looking for a strong start and three points on the road, away to a determined Barnsley side. 

Altrincham had to overcome an early setback after conceding a goal inside the first minute. Conceding possession cheaply cost them dearly, as a quick Barnsley attack caught the defence out of position and led to a surprise early lead for the home side.

Alty fought back and quickly took control of the game with some patient possession football and some impressive flowing moves in search of an equaliser. 

Eventually the pressure paid off as, after numerous dangerous attacks, there was a debut goal for striker Ben Mensah, who slotted calmly past the Barnsley keeper into the bottom right corner to give the young Robins a deserved equaliser on 20 minutes.

Altrincham’s relentless pressure on the Barnsley defence continued, and they deservedly took the lead on 30 minutes.

Some excellent wide link-up play from midfielder Amara Diomande resulted in a pinpoint through ball that picked out a surging overlapping run from left-back Archie Rowlands, who produced a sublime finish into the top corner, giving the Barnsley keeper little chance.

The young Robins began the second half where they left off, continuing to play some impressive attacking football and piling the pressure on the Barnsley defence.

At only 2-1 down, Barnsley sensed an opportunity to salvage a point from the game, and their physically imposing forwards began to apply increasing pressure on the Altrincham back line. 

However, Alty secured the points after some good individual play from winger Joshua Obamwonyi, who dribbled past the Barnsley full-back and produced a composed finish into the bottom corner in the 60th minute to give his side an unassailable lead.

The young Robins were able to see out the remainder of the game, largely untroubled, for a convincing 3–1 win.

Squad on the day: Bunting, Cain, Fereday, McNamara, Rowland, Diomande, Taafe, Sneyd, Broderick, Obamwonyi, Mensah, Dankin, Sheil, Molloy, McCormick.