Kelechi Nwakali was handed his first start and competitive debut for Barnsley when he featured in their 2-0 loss to Huddersfield Town in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy at the John Smith’s Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Super Eagles midfielder was played in a double pivot with Jamaica international Jon Russell, and he lasted for the entire duration of the contest.
Four minutes into the start of the second half, he was involved in setting up a chance for Barnsley, laying a pass to the feet of Kyran Lofthouse, who set up Aiden Marsh, but the striker couldn’t muster a goal attempt.
2011 Flying Eagles invitee Freddie Ladapo opened the scoring in the 59th minute for Huddersfield, placing the ball home from Bojan Radulović’s low cross.
Barnsley centre-back Donnovan Pines was sent off in the 84th minute after he brought down Tom Lorpenda, who was about to enter the penalty area, and it wasn’t long before the home side made their numerical advantage count.
In the stoppage time, Lorpenda did well to put himself in a dangerous position to receive a pass, and he sent a cross to the path of Danny Ward, who turned the ball home.
The loss leaves Barnsley at the bottom of Group F with one point, below Huddersfield, who occupied the position before tonight’s game
Nwakali joined the Reds on a three-year deal in August after leaving GD Chaves but was unable to make his debut due to fitness issues and was named in the matchday squad twice before tonight’s encounter.
The 26-year-old will now be pushing for a regular spot in Darrell Clarke’s side in a bid to establish himself as a key player for the club.
Abdulkareem Abdulhamid
