Coming into the game the Reds were on a torrent run of form having won only one league game in 2024. So although coming up against bottom of the table United of Manchester there wasn't a clear favourite.

The match at the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park got off to a fast paced of a start, when only 7 minutes in Emily Pierrepont put the home side 1-0 up, with a very tidy finish after finding space in the box.

However after Pierrepont should've put Barnsley two up with a header at the back post United of Manchester broke and slid the ball to the back post where they had a player waiting to tap it home to bring the game back to level.

The next five minutes consisted of plenty of chances for both teams, with Barnsley having plenty of shots, but most of them being straight at the opposition keeper.

In the 31st minute however Rosie Axten found space in the box and gave it to Louise Biggins who finished well to give the reds the lead once again and thats how it would be going into the half time break.

At half time Dan O'Hearne called upon his bench brining on Beth Howarth and Abi Housecroft.

The second half began fairly quietly and we had wait until the hour mark when Rosie Axten thundered a free-kick against the crossbar. Moments later Beth Howarth found space outside the box and got a shot off, again to hit the goals frame, this time the post.

In the 79th minute there was a special moment for Jemima Jarvis, who made her Barnsley Womens first team debut.

And only minutes later another player who O'Hearne bought off the bench poked home at the back post to double the reds lead and take home the three points.

An important win for the reds after a difficult start to 2024, they will face Leeds United next weekend to finish off the month of March.