Chorley 0-4 Barnsley

After a successful pre-season, including a 6-5 thriller against division above opposition, Burnley, Barnsley headed into the season full of optimism under now solo manager Lois Daniels.

The opening fixture saw Barnsley travel westwards into Lancashire to face Chorley, tough opposition who Barnsley faced twice back in March, a 2-1 victory away from home, and a 3-3 draw when the Reds hosted at the Recreation Ground.

On Sunday Barnsley continued the high scoring tradition from the fixture in quick fashion, netting their first of the afternoon after just 15 minutes, where the Reds 2 new recruits linked up, Abby Parkin the creator, and Brooke Marsden as the finisher.

Just shy of the half hour mark, Barnsley doubled their lead, a Pierrepont cross meeting the towering head of Michalska at the back post to head home and put the visitors in the driving seat.

As the half neared a close, Amy Beck put her stamp on the game, beating 3 opposition defenders before firing an effort beyond the clutches of the Chorley number 1.

Barnsley headed into half time in the ascendancy, and as they returned for the second half, turned their attention to retaining their lead, Academy graduate Ruby Jex-Oldfield was introduced as bagsman Nat Shaw watched the second half from the sidelines.

Ruby’s impact was instant as she snuffed out any danger posed by the Lancashire based side.

As the game reached a close, Barnsley added a 4th to their account late into stoppage time as Alayna Millard fired home for a debut goal to ensure the 3 points were brought back to Yorkshire