WHILE Barnsley FC prepare to visit the bottom side in their division, Port Vale, on Sunday, Barnsley Women’s FC host their league’s leaders from 2pm on the same day.
The Reds welcome Boldmere St Michael’s at the Olympic Legacy Park in Sheffield in the National League Division One Midlands.
They are third, seven points behind Boldmere who are in the only automatic promotion place.
The reverse fixture saw the Reds lose 5-4 to the side managed by former Premier League player Karl Henry.
Manager Craige Richardson said: “January will be a tough month.
“Boldmere are first then we play Leafield who are fourth.
“It’s a challenging one but one we should approach with confidence.
“We were really disappointed about how the Boldmere away game unravelled. We were in front and the better team but, in the last ten minutes, our vulnerability as a new squad showed and the occasion got to us.
“We’re looking forward to bringing them to our stadium.
“It would be fantastic to see as many fans as possible there to cheer girls on.
“We’ve pitched ourselves against the top teams really well.”
Barnsley have taken 23 points from 12 games so far.
“We’re always striving for better. We’ve had some real highs and some disappointing results when we could have done better. But we’re third, still in the title race. Given that we have a new squad for this season, we’re in a good position and there is a buzz around the club. There is a lot to look forward to.
“We are third for a reason because we have had a couple of games when we’ve not done as well as we should have done.
“Peterborough and Boldmere have had really good seasons even if not as convincing as some of our games.
“We knew we could better the mid-table finish last season.
“We’ve put ourselves just out of the heat. We would have wanted to be top or second.
“We’re highly confident and what better way to start the new year than against the top teams.”
In the Sheffield and Hallamshire League, Barnsley Ladies are due to visit SJR Worksop while Dearne and District host Brodsworth Welfare.
