Barnsley Women FC vs Durham Cestria LFC

Barnsley’s 100% win rate was still intact as they hosted a well organised Durham Cestria at the Recreation Ground in this 4th league game of the season.

The home side started at a moderately high tempo, sufficient in denying the opposition of clear chances, but not so much so that the Reds created a plethora of chances for themselves.
However on the half hour mark, Csomor took responsibility, attacking a vacant space, where a visiting defender was forced to close her down, she played across into Pierrepont who whipped a wicked ball in towards Beck who edged in front of the opposition goalkeeper to
tap into an empty net.
Just before the 40th minute, the hosts added a second to gain some breathing space between both sides. A wonderful pass from midfield anchor Rebecca Fevers splitting the defence, and finding Pierrepont in the process, who took the ball down with a first touch, then slotted a
half volley into the net .

Barnsley headed into the break looking comfortable and in control of the game, and the ladies’ grip on the match only grew in the second half as they continued to dictate possession of the ball.
Barnsley were aerially dominant, from set pieces in particular, as the height of the likes of Michalska and Marshall were used to their full potential. Today Marshall found the net, following Jodie’s 2 headed goals earlier in the season. This put Barnsley in the ascendancy as
they closed out the game, until the 90th minute when Durham stole a late consolation.
Strong cameos from Findlay, Jex-Oldfield and Marsden from the subs bench concluded a successful Sunday afternoon for the Yorkshire based side. Barnsley head into the League Cup break at the top of the Division One North.

Congratulations to Eve Marshall on winning Forge partnership Player of the match , and to Jodie Michalska for being recognised by TalkingWoSo Opposition player of the Match

Listen to the post match thoughts of the Boss here and looking forward
The Reds 4-game unbeaten run in August and table topping position has led to Lois being named as FA WNL Division One Manager of the Month! . Plus Serena Clarke picking up Player of the month. Congratulations!. Listen to the NCPodcast interview where both reflect on the season start.

As it happened:
14:03 Game underway
20’ effort from the left from Csomor just over the bar for a goal kick
30' GOAL: Csomor attacking the Durham back line, plays wide to Pierrepont who hits a pin point cross for Beck. Beck gets in front of the Durham No.1 and taps home.
35’ Fevers hits in a dangerous free kick which Marshall attacks, but the goalkeeper retrieves first
38’ GOAL: Pierrepont with a calm finish to put the reds 2-0 up. This video clip unfortunately doesn’t do justice for the sensational 25 yards pass from Fevers for the assist
Half-Time Barnsley 2-0 to the good.
49’ Pierrepont falls to the ground following a challenge and stays down, prompting a break in play.
55’ Big headed clearance from Marshall from a corner, play fizzles out for a Reds’ goal kick
64’ Durham defender misses her clearance, ball falls to Pierrepont 18 yards from goal on her weak foot, but her effort is saved
66’ SUB: Millard is brought on in place of Marsden,Great performance from Marsden once again
68’ GOAL: Pierrepont from a set piece finds Marshall’s head, who heads across goal into the bottom corner
77’ SUB: Goalscorer Amy Beck is given a rest as academy graduate Jex-Oldfield is brought on in her place
83’ SUB: Findlay is brought on for Csomor who’s given a standing ovation from the home supporters
90’ Durham grab a late consolation goal
Full-Time Barnsley 3 Durham Cestria 1