The Reds arrived at a sunny, yet fresh Cumberland Arena after travelling in style thanks to . They were without their free-kick left back Sophie Crosby who has left the club to return to Lincoln Ladies, we wish her all the best and thank you for the memories.
Crewe Alexandra were relegated from FA WNL North Division 1 last season and currently play in NWWRL Premier sitting in 5th position (DWW). The Reds last played them in April where they won 8-0 following up a 2-3 win in October, but this is the Cup so Chris was clear that no complacency was required if they are to progress to the 2nd round.

The teams walked out in their Blue away kit and lined up for the handshake

Before both players and coaches observed 1 minute Silence to Remember the Fallen, Football will not forget them.

Kick- off and Reds quickly win and early corner which is cleared away by the hosts
8' A couple of Crewe corners are recycled but end up coming to nothing
13' the ball falls to Lissa Woodhouse in the area but a Crewe defender gets a block in before she can get her shot away.
16' Crewe No9 has a go from the edge of the area, but it trickles through to Bethan Davies.
24' Reds are yet to really get into their stride. Crewe are pressing and working hard out of possession.
31' Substitution for Crewe Alexandra as Kerry Green comes on to replace Katie Nuttall
35' Best passage of play so far for the Reds. Some lovely passing from the back creates a chance for Darcie Greene. The defender does well to get a block in.
36' Half chance for Crewe from a free kick but their No 7 skews wide.
41' The Reds have a penalty shout waved away by the Referee.
43' Crewe corner taken by Laura Garner from the left finds the head of Amanda Fallon from close range nestles in the bottom corner. 1-0 Crewe
45+' Long stoppage in play after a clash of heads involving Annie Ward leaves Crewe No 15 on the deck. Annie Ward has to be replaced by Jade Butcher after a cut to the head.

Half-Time: A 45 minutes where the Reds didn’t really get going. Some good work out of possession from Crewe, and a goal against the run of play, sees them in front at the break.

54' Better from the Reds. Good build up before Kathryn Smith lays to Lissa Woodhouse. She hits one but it’s comfortable for the keeper.
55' Reds starting to come alive a bit. Kathryn Smith and Amy Woodruff both forcing good saves from the Crewe keeper.
60' Reds really piling the pressure on. Another strong penalty shout is waved away, this time for a challenge on Laura Bartup.
64' Substitution Kathryn Smith is replaced by Lindsey Tugby.
65' Laura Bartup forces a save from 20 yards.
73' Laura Bartup smashes the post from close range. So so close!
77' Reds are still knocking! Good dribbling from Drew Greene before she tees up Amy Woodruff. Her shot is wide
86' Great play from Lissa Woodhouse to beat the defenders. She squares the ball to Amy Woodruff sponsored by who blasts home from 10 yards. 1-1 Game On
91' FULL TIME Crewe Alexandra Women 1-1 Barnsley Women's FC we go into Extra Time.
Manager Chris gets the team in for instructions, as a bandaged Annie Ward looks on.

Extra time underway and in the 95 min penalty to Crewe, which is saved by Bethan Davies, still 1-1
91' Crewe change Jess Dawson coming on to replace Seren Redmond
97' Sophie Bell cuts inside and has a go with her left. The keeper makes a good save to prevent it going in.
103' The Reds have yet another penalty shout waved away for a foul on Lindsay Tugby.
105' Crewe player Laura Goom suffers a nasty injury resulting in a lengthy break in play as Kiera Willdigg comes on to replace the midfielder . Looks a relatively serious knee/leg injury. All our best to the player involved as she is carried off by the medical staff from both teams
109' Laura Bartup smacks the post from a free kick.

Half-Time is extra time still Crewe 1-1 Reds , the Reds look the more likely, but not broken the stalemate just yet.
110' Great ball in from the right. Laura Bartup gets her head on it, but it trickles agonisingly wide.
111' Drew Greene gets on the end of a beautifully floated cross, but she can’t keep it down. So, so close!
118' Laura Bartup sponsored by rifles one into the bottom corner, puts Reds in front Crewe 0-2 Barnsley
120' Crewe substitution as Aaliyah Campbell comes on to replace Megan Booth
120+ Laura Bartup ends up in the referees book after not moving away, closely followed by Drew Greene who is also booked.
Full-Time The referee finally blows after playing nearly five minutes of injury time. Well done to Crewe who especially in the first half took the game to Barnsley, pressing and workign hard for each other out of possession.

The Reds make it into the hat for the 2nd Round!