BARNSLEY Women’s FC’s promotion hopes suffered a major blow when they lost 5-1 at home to leaders Boldmere St Michael’s on Sunday.

It was goalless at the break then the visitors scored five unanswered goals before a late consolation.

That leaves Barnsley fourth in National League Division One Midlands, ten points off Boldmere and five behind second-placed Peterborough United who have three games in hand.

One team goes up automatically and the other goes into a play-off.

After winning five straight league games, Barnsley have only won one of their last six.

They are next due to play Leafield Athletic on January 25, at home.

Manager Craige Richardson said: “We have returned from Christmas with flu, sickness and injuries.

“I think we had five of our starting 11 out.

“The girls who came in stepped up and more than matched Boldmere in the first half, even with a silly sin bin.

“In the second half, we got caught by two set pieces then our backs were against the wall.

“Then we had a cracking chance which would have changed the game.

“They are a strong team and probably deserved the result.”

Boldmere are managed by former Wolves and Stoke midfielder Karl Henry.

Richardson said: “Their dugout is chipping away all the time. The officials did well to manage them.

“When their manager is saying to one of my players afterwards ‘get ready for the seven days’ (an approach to sign a player) and it’s on the video, the league have got to stop stuff like this.

“The behaviour constantly from them is shocking.

“Every team mentions it but nothing gets done.

“I don’t think it’s in the spirit of what we’re trying to do with the women’s game. I think it’s poor form but we congratulated them on the win.

“They were the better team and good luck to them.”

Meanwhile, in the Sheffield and Hallamshire League on Sunday, Barnsley Ladies host Edenthorpe and Wombwell Town welcome Courage.