BARNSLEY Women’s FC doubled their lead at the top of National League Division One North after they won 5-3 at home to lowly Chester-le-Street.
The Reds have 28 points from ten games and are six points clear after second-placed Hull City lost to Middlesbrough.
After Emily Pierrepont’s opener was cancelled out, Katy Woodcock netted on the stroke of half-time then Charlotte Stuart and Court Csomor made it 4-1 early in the second half.
The visitors pulled two back including from a controversial penalty but Brooke Marsden sealed victory with a free-kick.
Coach Lois Daniels said: “We got three points to start our January right in a tough run of games. It was a tough first game back, with lots of character and hard work to see the three points through. For the first game back after the Christmas break, the three points was the most important thing.
“We dusted the cobwebs off and got back to our way and our intensity.
“We have two more tough home games in January, one in the league against Durham, followed by a quarter-final in the league cup against Hull City.”
They are now due to host Durham Cestria on Sunday.
Penistone Church won 2-0 at home to Handsworth in Division One of the Sheffield and Hallamshire League.
Penistone are due to visit Rossington Main this weekend.
Mind Over Matter won 2-1 at home to Wickersley Youth in Division Four.
Wombwell Town are now due to visit Pogmoor in a Barnsley derby on Sunday.
