WANDERERS Under-18s went top of the U18 Professional Development League North with a 3-1 victory over Barnsley at Leyland on Wednesday.

Nicky Spooner's side extended their unbeaten run to five matches thanks to a hat-trick from striker Eddie Brown and are top on goal difference from Huddersfield Town, having played a game more.

Against Barnsley, the young Whites attacked from the start and got their rewards with the opening goal after seven minutes.

Luca Connell picked up the ball and played a good through ball to Brown who struck it across the Tykes keeper from outside the box to score his first.

Barnsley responded by going direct but the Wanderers defence dealt well with the long balls forward.

In the second half, the Whites were composed in their play and retained possession better in the final third.

And they doubled their advantage when Luca Navarro crossed from the right and Brown reacted quickest to his own header being saved.

It was all Wanderers after that and they netted a deserved third with a well-taken goal from Brown after a good run by Dennis Politic in the build-up.

Barnsley pushed forward and scored a late consolation goal but it was not enough to get back into the game and Wanderers held on for all three points.

Spooner's side take a break from league action now ahead of their FA Youth Cup third-round tie at Middlesbrough on Tuesday night.