Barnsley FC Women showcased a five-star performance in the North East this afternoon as their chase for promotion showed no signs of slowing down.
With just two points separating the Reds and South Shields, today's clash was key. By the time the final whistle sounded, the hosts' own promotion ambitions were in tatters whilst Barnsley's were strengthened by an eighth consecutive victory and another glut of goals.
As we've seen in many games this season, the opening stages can be quite cagey but it's never long until the Reds work out their opponents. At the 1st Cloud Arena this lovely Spring afternoon it took until midway into the opening 45' for Jess Horsley's side to make the breakthrough.
It was Madison Foye with the opener as she raced onto Amy Dawson's through-ball to finish beyond the goalkeeper, one-on-one.
Just two minutes later and Barnsley doubled their advantage. Again, a ball through the defence - this time from Betty Cheetham - allowed Alayna Millard to beat the goalkeeper from just inside the box.
The home side weren't out of the contest, and just a few minutes before the half-time interval they would reduce the arrears when Jaz Elliot-Wood powered home a header from a set-piece.
HALF-TIME: South Shields 1-2 Barnsley
If anyone thought that late Shields goal may have disturbed the Reds, it took just two minutes of play after the break to quash that. With a potential goal of the season contender, Millard grabbed her second of the game as she chipped the 'keeper from around 40 yards out.
Not to feel left out, Foye confirmed her own brace soon after as she deftly dinked the ball over the South Shields 'keeper as she entered the area to give Barnsley a 4-1 lead.
The display was rounded off by the ever-impressive Cheetham as she let fly, 30 yards from goal on the half-volley to make it 5-1 and put the game to bed.
This latest result ended the home side's chances of promotion and means that only Barnsley, Wallsend or current leaders, Spennymoor can lift the title. The latter have now played all 22 of their fixtures and sit top on 46 points (same as the Reds) based on a better goal difference (two goals).
Horsley's side have two fixtures left to play. Next weekend's trip to Wallsend, who also have two to play and can - theoretically - still win the division. But they're five points behind so need to win both games and hope Barnsley lose their final fixture, at Oakwell against Wakefield on May 15th.
Sound confusing? To put it in simplest terms - if the Reds draw in Wallsend next Sunday, they're champions and will secure back-to-back promotions!
FULL-TIME: South Shields 1-5 Barnsley
Ridsdel-Harrison, Ayrton, Turton-Burrell, Rigby, Evans, Cheetham, Chincharo, Brown, Millard, Dawson, Foye.
Subs: Gregory, Wilson, Nicholls, Holland, Barraclough.
