BARNSLEY Women’s FC fell further off the promotion pace with a 5-3 loss at home to Leafield Athletic on Sunday.
The Reds are fifth in National League Division One Midlands with 23 points from 14 games, and eight to play.
They are 13 points off the only automatic promotion place and eight behind second-placed Peterborough United who have three games in hand.
They have won one of the last seven, losing their last three including back-to-back five-goal defeats at their home ground which is the Olympic Legacy Park in Sheffield.
Leafield went 3-0 and 5-1 up before a late comeback.
Jemima Jarvis scored twice for Barnsley and Emily Richardson got one goal.
Manager Craige Richardson said: “We just didn’t show up in the first half.
“All credit to Leafield, they were on the front foot.
“There were two deflections but however you cut it up we weren’t good enough in the first half.
“We showed spirit and fight in the second half but Leafield were the better team and deserved it.
“We can take positives out of the second half, we won it 3-1 and could have scored more.
“It’s not what we wanted but we can kick on with confidence.
“We need to build on that second half.”
Barnsley are now due to host Lincoln United in their next game on Sunday, February 8.
Meanwhile, Barnsley Ladies won 3-1 at home to Huddersfield Town under 23s in the Sheffield and Hallamshire League Cup.
Kriz Firth, Molly Waite and Charli Hayward scored to put the Reds into the third round.
Barnsley have won all three games in 2026 and are also currently top of Division Two.
Wombwell Town lost 4-1 at Sheffield Wednesday reserves. Ellisha Jones scored the visitors’ only goal.
Dearne and District lost 6-0 at Staveley Miners Welfare.
Sunday fixtures: Barnsley Ladies v Socrates; Penistone Church v Sheffield Wednesday reserves; Rossington Main v Dearne and District; Wombwell Town v West End Terriers.
