BARNSLEY FC women continued their sensational away form with a 2-0 victory at Hull United and will now look for another success in their first home game for more than two months.
The Reds have won all six away games this season – with their last five matches each being on the road – and 18 over the last two years under the name Barnsley Ladies and now Barnsley FC.
They are second in the North East Premier with 25 points from 11 games, two behind leaders Sunderland.
Manager Jess Horsley said: “I don’t think the girls are aware of how many away games we’ve won in a row so I will tell them in training this week.
“It should give us confidence.
“We have two home games in a row and, after Hartlepool, we have four games against teams near the top of the league which will be vital for the promotion race.”
Maddison Foye opened the scoring with a first half penalty then Kirstie Nicholls netted from a tight angle on the right after beating two players.
Horsley said: “It was a really good win. It wasn’t the best of pitches, it was quite tiring to play on and we couldn’t play our usual football.
“We made three changes at half-time and had a lot more energy in the second half.
“It was a great result and a really good start to 2024.
“We didn’t know how we would come back after a month off but we trained well to blow the cobwebs off.
“It was a battle but we were really happy to come out on top.”
Barnsley are now due to host lowly Hartlepool on the Oakwell astroturf on Sunday.
“We want to get some home wins now. The last two home games were called off.
“We’re getting used to a couple of hundred people watching us. We’re on a good run and we want to carry it on.
“We can’t underestimate any team in this league.
“We only beat Hartlepool 1-0 away and were extremely lucky to win. They are a good side who put a lot of pressure on us. We have to play a lot better.
“We will do a lot of analysis and hard work on how we can beat them.
“They have not played since Christmas so we have no idea how they are going to come out.”
Meanwhile, Barnsley Women’s FC suffered their first defeat of the National League Division One North season in emphatic style.
They lost 3-0 at home to Durham Cestria who netted all their goals between 23 and 35 minutes.
Barnsley – who had won nine and drawn one of their previous league games – saw their lead halved to three points.
The Reds – who have 28 points from 11 games – are not due to play this coming weekend.
Pogmoor won 9-0 in a Barnsley derby at home to Wombwell Town in Division Four of the Sheffield and Hallamshire League.
Sheldon Hirst scored four, Courtney Kaye three and Leah White two.
Pogmoor host Kiveton Park reserves on Sunday.
Mind Over Matter won 4-3 at Wickersley. Jodie Stokes scored twice and Olivia Tate once.
They are due to visit Hemsworth on Sunday.
Dearne and District are due to host Charnock Ridgeway in Division Two.
Penistone Church are due to play at Kiveton in Division One.
