Donny, sporting a green kit, inspired by One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson, and donning the mens badge were looking to beat us a second time this season having narrowly won 1-0 in the League Cup- league phase.

The Reds began brightly from the first whistle, refusing to let the winter conditions dull their edge.

An early stoppage saw Ocean Rolandsen receive treatment, but it did little to interrupt Barnsley’s rhythm.

Summer Reece and Amber Sewell combined well down the flank to force the first corner of the game, quickly followed by another corner and a dangerous free kick as the pressure mounted.

Both Reece and Sewell were at the heart of the early intensity, with the former producing a superbly timed challenge that set the tone for a combative display.
Set pieces became a theme. After a stoppage for an injury to the hosts,

Barnsley won another corner, and shortly after delivered a particularly dangerous one that was only half cleared before the follow up drifted wide.

Midway through the half came a glorious opportunity. Lucy Cook whipped in a pinpoint cross that found Charlotte Stuart, whose header sailed narrowly wide of the upright.

The Reds continued to probe. Jodie Snelson threaded an excellent pass into Amber Sewell, whose goalbound effort was blocked for a corner. At the other end, a late free kick for the hosts flew well over the bar.

Despite Barnsley’s control and territory, the sides went in level at the break. 0–0, with the Reds looking the more likely.

The second half unfolded as a tense, tactical battle, with Barnsley continuing to press while remaining disciplined at the back.

A flowing move midway through the half produced a promising opening when a well delivered ball found Olivia Richardson, whose inviting cross into the area was blocked at the crucial moment. Shortly after, the Reds rotated their options, introducing Jemima Jarvis in a roll on roll off change for Amber Sewell to maintain intensity in the final third.

As the clock ticked down, the pressure intensified. Barnsley earned a free kick in a dangerous position with five minutes remaining, signalling their attacking intent.

Moments later, another set piece almost broke the deadlock. The strike crashed against the post before being cleared away by Tanya Fozzard, denying the Reds what would have been a deserved breakthrough.

Freya Walton’s lively play drew yet another free kick as the match entered its closing stages, but the resulting effort was gathered by the goalkeeper. Deep into added time, Barnsley made one final change, with Amber Sewell returning to the pitch in place of Olivia Richardson to see out the final moments.

Despite Barnsley’s late surge and a series of threatening set pieces, the deadlock remained intact at full time. The tie would be settled from the penalty spot.

Penalty Shootout

The Reds saw their first penalty saved, second penalty scored through Charlotte Stuart and third saved. The hosts then converted their first two penalties. As it looked as though Donny would progress, up stepped skipper Bean Clarke.

A great save, followed by a great penalty converted Clarke, followed by another save, which evened it out.

There was then drama as the referee, missing the opposition keeper saving her penalties from the six yard box, ordered the penalty to be retaken.

Not to be denied, Clarke then saved it again.

Advantage, Reds.

From there is was deadlock. Penalty successes from Tanya Fozzard, Freya Walton, Alivia Chambers, Lucy Cook and Faith Horner followed, giving the Reds a 7-6 lead in sudden death.

The hosts number 8 stepped up. A late arrival, brought on to cause chaos. Smashed against the bar to send the Reds through. Scenes of jubilation followed.

Player of the Match: Bean Clarke. Enough Said.

Unit’s thoughts: Couldn’t be prouder. Awful conditions and then coped exceptionally with the physical tactics and matched them physically. But for some last minute blocks and the pitch giving way, the game could have been won in the 90.

If you can win anyway guaranteed- this is it! Hard to take in loss, amazing in victory. On to the Semi Final!