Ben Pearson made his professional debut today for Barnsley and it went as good as he could have hoped for.
The 20-year-old midfielder was named the sponsors’ Man of the Match for his performance and he earned rave reviews from the local press who were watching from the stands.
Manchester United fans who have followed Pearson through the lower ranks were excited to see how he got on with his first loan spell and his performance against Yeovil Town showed exactly why.
Instead of being overawed by an occasion which would have made a lot of young footballers play with a nervous disposition, Pearson seemingly flourished and grew with confidence as the game went on.
Here’s a minute-by-minute account of Pearson’s performance today as told by Simon Smedley, a journalist who was watching in the stadium.
Ben Pearson wearing #36 for Barnsley today…nice applause as he's introduced over the PA.
— Simon Smedley (@Smedders1966) January 10, 2015
Ben shielding the back four. Totally different from what he will be used to this…!
— Simon Smedley (@Smedders1966) January 10, 2015
Superb crossfield ball by Ben Pearson flicked away for a Barnsley corner, which came to nothing. Shades of Scholesy there…
— Simon Smedley (@Smedders1966) January 10, 2015
Ben Pearson gets stuck in there…sock and shin-pad down…no messin!
— Simon Smedley (@Smedders1966) January 10, 2015
Wow. Class, and pain, from Ben Pearson. Another magic pass from one side of the pitch to the other, then a horribly miscued strike – oops
— Simon Smedley (@Smedders1966) January 10, 2015
It's an encouraging opening half-hour from Ben Pearson at Oakwell. Growing in confidence by the minute….
— Simon Smedley (@Smedders1966) January 10, 2015
Barnsley struggling to break down a resilient ten-man Yeovil here. Ben Pearson continues to shine…Good spacial awareness from him…
— Simon Smedley (@Smedders1966) January 10, 2015
Ben Pearson aint gonna score many playin in this position, but he's been very very effective and manager Wilson will be pleased I reck…
— Simon Smedley (@Smedders1966) January 10, 2015
Half-time at Barnsley – 0-0. Ben Pearson MOM so far?? Possibly…earning praise from fellow press guys here…
— Simon Smedley (@Smedders1966) January 10, 2015
Ben Pearson has got terrific vision too. Saw that through-ball coming and swept up superbly…#class
— Simon Smedley (@Smedders1966) January 10, 2015
I can see why Ben Pearson is the new Scholesy!
— Simon Smedley (@Smedders1966) January 10, 2015
20 mins to go and Barnsley cruising now they are in front. Ben Pearson is loving this I reckon…looks confident and assured.
— Simon Smedley (@Smedders1966) January 10, 2015
A massive sigh or relief there as Ben Pearson gets up off the deck after appearing to twist his knee in a tackle. He's back on – phew!!
— Simon Smedley (@Smedders1966) January 10, 2015
Ben Pearson will be playing the full 90 mins for Barnsley – all three subs now on…
— Simon Smedley (@Smedders1966) January 10, 2015
I hope Utd have had a representative here to watch Pearson…class
— Simon Smedley (@Smedders1966) January 10, 2015
Barnsley sponsors' man of the match – BEN PEARSON!!!!
— Simon Smedley (@Smedders1966) January 10, 2015
So that's it – Barnsley 2 Yeovil 0 – Ben Pearson MOM, what more can I say?? Remember the name. What a senior debut!
— Simon Smedley (@Smedders1966) January 10, 2015
Pearson looks tired as he walks off – and well he might be….#Oldhamsfinest
— Simon Smedley (@Smedders1966) January 10, 2015
It’s very early doors for Pearson but to win a Man of the Match award on his debut will fill him with the confidence to continue improving.