Barnsley FC Ladies lost 3-0 to Huddersfield Town in the Sheffield & Hallamshire FA County Cup Final despite a spirited performance at the Keepmoat Stadium.
The Reds, who won the competition in 2016, matched their higher-ranked opposition for large parts however goals from Katie Nutter, Sarah Danby and Lucy Sowerby were enough for the Terriers to retain their title.
Barnsley nearly got off to the perfect start as Amy Woodruff’s shot was cleared off the line before Darcie Greene hit the rebound over the bar.
Bryony Hudson pulled off a good low stop however Huddersfield took the lead a few minutes later as Nutter tapped in from close range.
The Reds looked to respond instantly as Elisha James’ free kick was tipped around the post by Laura Carter.
Huddersfield doubled their lead midway through the half as Danby picked up a loose pass and coolly slotted into the bottom corner.
The Terriers began to dominate and nearly added a third goal before the break with Nutter being denied by the crossbar.
Ian Clark’s side received another blow late in the half as the lively Greene was stretchered off after a lengthy delay with an ankle injury.
Cairns saw a powerful drive blocked before Hudson saved well from a low shot in nine minutes of first half injury time.
HT: Barnsley 0-2 Huddersfield Town
Sowerby became the second Huddersfield player to hit the bar as her effort bounced off the woodwork before Kate Mallin saw a goal chalked off by the offside flag.
Clark threw on Kristie Ward from the bench as the Reds began to dominate possession without truly threatening a goal.
Ward thought she’d reduced the deficit soon after coming on however her volley was saved at point-blank range.
Barnsley began to throw players forward with time running out but Town capitalised at the other end as Sowerby guided a cross into the bottom corner to seal the game late on.
FT: Barnsley 0-3 Huddersfield Town
📝 Report from barnsleyfccommunity.co.uk
