Young striker Leo Farrell has underlined his confidence ahead of the coming campaign after netting the opener in Barnsley’s friendly at Scarborough Athletic. The goal, his second of pre-season, came after an impressive showing in which he combined effective hold-up play with intelligent runs behind the defence.
Positive signs in attack
Farrell started the match alongside Noah Town and was involved throughout, both in linking play and in finishing chances when they arrived. While pre-season results are primarily about fitness and preparation, the 20-something forward’s contributions will be noted by the coaching staff as they finalise their plans for the season ahead.
"I'm feeling good. It's always nice to get a win in pre-season and I think that's two goals for me now so as a striker that's all you want," Farrell told the Chronicle after the match.
He added that the team’s approach under the manager — pressing high and recovering possession quickly — created the platform for his early strike.
What this means for squad selection
- Game time — Farrell’s minutes in friendlies will be watched closely as the club weighs options up front.
- Form — Two pre-season goals give the forward momentum heading into competitive fixtures.
- Role — His ability to hold the ball up and run in behind could see him used either centrally or as part of a front pairing.
Although pre-season matches are not a definitive indicator of how players will perform in competitive fixtures, Farrell’s combination of physical presence and movement suggests he could be an option to start or to come off the bench in the early league games.
Pre-season summary
Below is a short summary of Farrell’s pre-season scoring so far, as recorded in local match reports.
| Match | Opponent | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-season friendly | Matlock | 1 |
| Pre-season friendly | Scarborough Athletic | 1 |
Supporters and club staff will hope Farrell can build on this start as the team transitions to competitive matches. For a striker, confidence from scoring in friendlies can translate into sharper performances in the league, but maintaining consistency in training and adapting to the tactical demands of the manager will be equally important.
Barnsley’s pre-season programme continues to provide opportunities for younger players to stake a claim for places in the squad, and Farrell’s recent displays place him among those making a case for selection.
