19mins Campbell shot 1-0

35mins Maris shot 1-1

Half time: Tykes 1 Toon 1

59mins Maris shot 1-2

78mins Nana Boakye-Yiadom shot 1-3

89mins Armstrong shot 2-3

Full time: Tykes 3 Toon 2

Despite starting with five players fielded at the Schalke Cup and another trio with Premier League experience,  Newcastle's second string were beaten in a kickabout staged at the Oakwell Academy on Monday afternoon.

Adam Campbell latched on to Gael Bigirimana's pass to put United ahead in the 19th minute and the striker was given the chance of a second soon after, but lifted his attempted lob too high and saw it clear the crossbar.

The visitors remained firmly in the ascendancy and Ben Arfa caught the eye with some mazy runs and efforts on goal before Barnsley's unexpected 35th minute leveller.

Attacking down the right, Rhys Oates was allowed to stride forward and crack his shot off a post, before the rebound was side-footed home by George Maris.

Ben Arfa then saw two shots saved in quick succession by Christian Dibble (son of veteran custodian, Andy) before the enigmatic Frenchman dragged a third effort wide in the last seconds of an entertaining 45 minutes. 

Into the second half and United again looked the more likely scorers, with Campbell and defender Callum Williams both miscuing before Haris Vuckic was fouled in the box and referee Paul Tomes rightly awarded a penalty. 

Ben Arfa took it, but his spot kick was casually struck and parried away by Dibble - a game-changing miss after 56 minutes that was quickly followed by Barnsley re-taking the lead through Maris - Oates again the provider. 

Chances at both ends then saw Adam Armstrong, substitute Jonathyn Quinn and Vuckic all come close for Newcastle, only for the Tykes to extend their lead with 12 minutes remaining, thanks to Nana Boakye-Yiadom.

The former West Ham youngster cracked home glorious effort from distance that flew past goalkeeper Freddie Woodman and into the net via a post. 

And although a calm finish by Adam Armstrong from a pass by Lubo Satka saw United reduce the arrears on 89 minutes, Barnsley held on, as possession and chances proved to be no match for superior, clinical finishing. 

Biffa