On a sunny afternoon at Oakwell Academy with the threat of rain the teams took the field for the second year running for a FA Cup 3rd qualifying round clash.
Looking to replicate last year’s fortunes in the competition, Barnsley Women’s Football Club knew that Leeds would be a physical side, but that they had technical quality on their side.
Manager Andy Glossop stuck with the 4-2-3-1 system that shone in the side’s narrow 2-3 defeat in the league a week prior, but made two changes as Elisha James replaced Niamh Ryalls at centre back, plus talisman Lissa Woodhouse came in for Courteney Csomor.
It was the best possible start for the home side – Barnsley kick off and attack with intent down the left, a good press by Greene wins the bal as captain Kath Smith’s long shot beat the Leeds goalkeeper within 10 seconds.
Glossop’s side had a gameplan from the start which appeared to stick – get hold of the ball, be tidy in possession and know when to press and when to drop off.
The high press forced Leeds into an error which gave the home side a two-goal cushion, after just 12 minutes.
Central midfielder Lindsey Tugby found herself the furthest forward when the away side tried to pass round the back and she anticipated an error from her opponent, before nabbing the ball from her and slotting in calmly.
Barnsley looked a tighter unit defensively, but Manager Glossop was forced into a change as Betty Cheetham jolted her knee and was unable to continue after 30 minutes.
Becky Troake, after recent injury issues of her own, came on in her place and formed an excellent partnership with Elisha James at the back.
It was going smoothly for the Reds, but they looked a little too relaxed eight minutes later as they knocked the ball around the back casually and Leeds’s switch to a press resulted in a goal, through former Barnsley forward Laura Bartup.
At half time Glossop and his coaching staff placed emphasis on taking control of the game and staying switched on with just the one-goal lead, and they kept things simple and looked to play their own game.
The midfield of Smith, Tugby and Nat Watson got on the ball more and were winning their battles, and winger Darcie Greene drifted inside to support the energetic Woodhouse.
Greene bagged herself a second goal of the season in the 75th minute when the away side failed to clear their lines from a set piece.
The victory was sealed when substitute Csomor drilled in her effort, who showed a determination to get her place back in this competitive squad with a goal and assist.
FULL TIME | It finished 4-1 ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️ Goals from Smith, Tugby , Greene & wrap up this impressive performance.

Your Player of the Match for commanding the midfield, knowing when to press and when to drop in is sponsored by

This result takes Barnsley Women into the first round of the Vitality Women’s FA Cup, where they will be hoping to march forward past Newcastle Utd Women Sunday 15th Nov 2pm KO (subject to acceptance to go ahead from the governing bodies). Then onwards like when they played Tottenham Hotspur FC Women in last year’s fourth round of the competition.

Hear post match reaction from Coach Harry Watson and Captain Kath Smith and those of boss Andy

Next game if the league is allowed to continue will be an away trip to face Leeds again next Sunday, who will be no doubt seeking revenge for this Halloween howler

C'Mon You Reds!!