BARNSLEY Women’s FC lost 2-1 at Huddersfield Town in the semi-final of the Sheffield Cup.
The hosts led at half-time then Ocean Rolandsen levelled just after the break but Huddersfield won it in the 88th minute to end Barnsley’s four-game winning run.
Huddersfield are top of their league at the same tier as the Reds but in a different region.
Manager Craige Richardson said: “It’s always tough to lose a semi-final.
“We gave a good account of ourselves. We knew it would be a tough game and it was small moments that mattered.
“They scored a minute before half-time then our girls really showed up in the second half.
“Both teams were getting ready for penalties.
“Our goalkeeper makes an unbelievable save, we must have nine players in the box but it finds its way to their player to score the winner.
“I just wanted our players to play for the badge and they did.
“It’s hard losing a semi-final but we can’t be disheartened.
“We more than matched Huddersfield and it could have gone either way.
“It was suckerpunch but we have to take the positives into the rest of the season.”
The Reds now return to league action in National League Division One Midlands.
They are due to host relegation-battling Sutton Coldfield Town on Sunday then visit fifth-placed Sheffield FC on Thursday.
They are currently fourth with 32 points from 17 games, and five to play.
In Sheffield and Hallamshire Division Two, Barnsley FC Ladies lost 3-1 at title rivals Brinsworth Whitehill.
The Reds’ lead is down to eight points and Brinsworth have a game in hand.
The top two are now due to meet again on Sunday for a Barnsley home game.
Dearne and District drew 1-1 at home to Penistone Church.
Courage drew 1-1 at home to FURD in Division Four. Rhiannon Thefaut scored.
Sunday fixtures: Barnsley Ladies v Brinsworth Whitehill; Rossington Main v Penistone Church; SJR Worksop reserves v Dearne and District; Courage v Brampton United; Sheffield Medics v Wombwell Town.
