KEIGHLEY-BORN Ashley Fletcher enjoyed a dream debut for Barnsley on Saturday in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy semi-final first leg.
The 20-year-old came off the bench in the 68th minute for his first taste of first team football at any club, having joined Barnsley on loan two days earlier from Manchester United.
Only five minutes after coming on, Fletcher made his mark. The striker rose highest at the far post to head home an equaliser from Adam Hammill’s cross and make himself an instant hit with the fans.
Fletcher (pictured), who moved away from the Keighley area to live in Bolton at the age of three, is thought to have a bright future ahead of him at Old Trafford, after topping the scoring charts for the under-18s two seasons ago alongside James Wilson and continuing to impress for the under-21s.
Phil Jones praised Fletcher after playing with him in an under-21 game. He said: “I think Fletcher has come on a lot up front and I think he’s a good player. I like him.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here