We were able to see the return of several players back into the squad, with Paige Crossman, Becks Hornsey (featuring the mask) and Laura Bartup returning to the starting XI and recent signing Demi Barai starting on the bench.

The first 15 minutes were a bit of a scrappy affair, with neither side really getting a grip of the game and a lot of turnovers.

Despite that, defensively we were solid and it always looked like once we got the ball, we could threaten.

It felt like the first goal was going to be the turning point in the game and that proved right as a great ball from Anita Gaspar played in Jodie Snelson to make it 1-0 with a great finish.

From there the Reds took control and started really threatening the hosts box with Lou McCreadie heading wide in the 24th minute from a great Maisie Norde cross.

It wasn’t long until the dominance paid off, as the press from the midfield and attack allowed the ball to fall to Laura Bartup who cooly created space for herself before slotting the ball past the keeper to make it 2-0.

At this point, the hosts came close with a cross which was mishit and it just hit the top of the bar.

The game felt like it was only a matter of time before the Reds would make it 3-0, and this happened on the stroke of half time. A well worked corner, straight from the training ground, played in brilliantly by Paige Crossman and headed fantastically into the bottom corner for Jodie Snelson to get her double.

Half Time Worcester City 2-4 Barnsley WFC.

The first ten minutes of the second half was much like the first, with neither side getting a foothold of the game. That was until the 56th minute. Another fine ball in from Maisie Norde saw the ball fall to Eve Marshall, who, on her birthday, smashed it into the roof of the net to make if 4-0.

This allowed the manager Craige Richardson to make a number of changes with Demi Barai coming on for her debut, as well as Jemima Jarvis and Tally Diamond coming on to replace Misty Russell, Becks Hornsey and Jodie Snelson.

The hosts started to get a couple of openings in the 69th minute with a couple of great blocks from Paige Crossman nullifying the danger.

Things started to feel slightly less emphatic in the 72nd and 76th minute as the hosts scored twice through their attacking midfielder with both goals coming from outside the box, both exceptional strikes. The second one came from a free kick which saw Maisie Norde go into the book with a ‘fair’ challenge.

After this, a series of stoppages by the hosts, the second of which came in bizarre circumstances as they replaced their goalkeeper mid game, with the referee enforcing them to fully swap kit to avoid a clash.

After this, the momentum swung our way and having made two further substitutions, bringing on Olivia Richardson in the 82nd minute for Laura Bartup and Daniela Kraycheva replacing the brilliant Anita Gaspar in the 90th minute, the Reds were looking to see out the game in comfortable fashion.

The Reds then put the icing on the cake, with Demi Barai, having just received a yellow card for a free kick on the half way line, playing an outstanding through ball for Olivia Richardson to run onto, who then cooly slotted home for her first Senior goal for the Reds.

Great result and ensured we returned to the OLP with three valuable points. Shout out to Abi Housecroft who played in three positions during the game, versatility at it’s finest.

Player of the match went to Anita Gaspar who gave their right back nightmares all game and was involved in everything good going forward.

Onwards and Upwards.

Team: Clarke ©, Housecroft, Crossman, McCreadie, Marshall, Norde, Russell (Jarvis 62) Hornsey (Barai 62) Gaspar (Kraycheva 90) Bartup (Richardson 83) Snelson (Diamond 67)

Goals: Snelson (22, 45) Bartup (35) Marshall (56) Richardson (90+9)

POTM: Anita Gaspar.

Our next game is at the OLP vs Lincoln United. Buy your tickets through the links on our website and social media.