BARNSLEY Women’s FC are ‘quietly confident’ going into a top-of-the-table clash at home to Peterborough United on Sunday.
The Reds, who have had a two-week break from action, are second in National League Division One Midlands, five points behind Peterborough who have won all eight games. One side is promoted automatically while the second-placed finisher goes into a play-off.
Manager Craige Richardson said: “It’s a long season but these are the games we need to get three points in if we’re going to get promoted. It will be a tough game, it’s first versus second.
“They have to travel to us.
“We think we’re as good anybody in this league and it will be whichever team turns up on the day. We’re quietly confident but we recognise Peterborough are top for a reason.”
Barnsley had won their last five league games before a 0-0 draw at Sutton Coldfield last week. They are a point ahead of Leafield Athletic and Boldmere St Michael’s. Richardson said: “We’ve had a flying start. We’ve made quite a few changes to the squad this season so to be six games unbeaten, second in the league, with the second best goal difference, it’s been a positive start so far.
“There are four teams clear of the rest at the minute but the teams traditionally seen as the lower ones are taking points off the top teams so it’s more of a competitive division.”
The Reds play at the Olympic Legacy Park in Sheffield but want to return to the borough of Barnsley in the future.
Richardson said: “It would be really nice if we get a good attendance.
“We have been getting 200 or 300 people down. We are trying to do more with schools and kids are free anyway.
“We want to get the local community involved.”
Meanwhile, in the Sheffield and Hallamshire League, Penistone Church won 2-0 at Brodsworth Welfare in Division Two. Alice Norman scored twice.
Dearne and District drew 1-1 at home to Sheffield Wednesday reserves with Lily Scott netting.
Wombwell Town won 3-2 at home to Marlborough in Division Four.
Stephanie Marsland bagged a brace and Lucy Tindle scored once.
Fixtures: Barnsley v Penistone Church; Dearne and District v Millmoor reserves; Wombwell Town v Bramley Sunnyside.
