Peterborough United Women made it 19 unbeaten in the FA Women’s National League with a narrow 1-0 win over the Reds at PIMS Park.
Kira Rai’s goal was the difference as we edged closer to the National League title on Sunday afternoon.
Jake Poole’s side continued their run of over 440 days without defeat in the league, but were made to work for the three points against a team that only lost by the odd goal across the two matches this season.
Barnsley threatened early when Jemima Jarvis had a couple of opportunities in the early throes. Edyn Osker closed down her marker in the first instance, before the Reds attacker scuffed her shot in the second to give us early warning signs.
Not much happened in the way of talking points again until the 25th minute when Jess Rousseau had an effort palmed away. Our number seven did well to keep the ball alive and found Rai, who had the same luck.
Kayleigh Hines’ attempt from the edge of the penalty area, before we regrouped and settled into a domination of the ball.
Rousseau came to the fore again on 33 minutes, this time to drill in a cross for RAI, who arrived unmarked to make it 1-0 from close-range.
In a similar area, our number seven looked to provide again, this time for Evie Driscoll-King, who went wide by a matter of inches.
Brown had a golden opportunity to double our lead early into the second half, but with options on either side, she chose neither and her attempt went high and wide.
Space opened up for Rousseau three minutes later, who curled one wide before Serena Clarke matched her effort in the next phase.
The Reds failed to make any final third entry worthwhile, in truth, and had any hope for the leveller removed when Maddi Green’s shot was claimed by Neive Corry.
Poole’s side held out the remaining minutes well, but will have to wait at least another week to be named league winners as both Boldmere St Michaels and Leafield Athletic picked up maximum points.
Posh: Corry, Connor, Hines, Driscoll-king, Rousseau, Brown (sub Short 80min), Perkins (sub Wilshaw 70min), Stanford (sub Mears 61min), Rai (sub Kirk 70min), Pitt, Osker. Unused sub: Sharpe.