The 2017/18 SHCFA Women's County Cup Final was extra special this year with Doncaster Rover's Keepmoat Stadium hosting the event. This would be the first time the Women's County Cup has been held at a pro stadium and with the success of last nights fixture, this feature will hopefully be replicated in the following years. 

Barnsley FC Ladies V Huddersfield Town Ladies were the teams featuring in this years final which replicated the 2016/17 final won the previous year by Huddersfield. 

 KICK OFF

The game started at a great pace with both teams creating chances early on. Huddersfield were the first to have an attempt on goal as a ball from the right was placed deep to the back post but the resulting header dropped wide of the post. Barnsley immediately replied with a quick break that put the forward through 1-on-1 but the Huddersfield number 1 pulled off a great save with the follow up shot flying wide of the post. Two minutes later and Barnsley again broke free on a quick break but again were denied by a great save from the Huddersfield number 1. Before the game could really settle down the first goal came as the ball went back to the Barnsley goalkeeper who failed to clear the ball and allow the Huddersfield forward to round her and slide into the open net to make it 1-0. As the half continued Barnsley saw a Free Kick flash wide of the post on the 20th minute that could have leveled the game. On the 25th minute another unfortunate error from the Barnsley number 1 allowed the Huddersfield forward to receive the ball in the box and to slide it into the far corner to double the lead. Barnsley 0-2 Huddersfield. From here Huddersfield started to gain more possession of the ball and showcased some excellent combination play in the wide areas but could not extend their lead. On the 33rd minute another excellent move down the right saw a great delivery into the box but the resulting header was directed ont the bar. 

HALF TIME - Barnsley 0-2 Huddersfield

SECOND HALF

As the game restarts, Huddersfield immediately resume their control of the game and within 3 minutes create a great opportunity that is tucked away on the far post only to be ruled offside by the assistant referee. From here Huddersfield started to really control the tempo of the game and maintain the ball well. Barnsley started to sit deeper and more compact to protect the goal and continued to try and hit them on the counter. Huddersfield continued to focus their attacks down the flanks and created numerous opportunities but could not extend their lead. Barnsley continued to battle in defense but struggled to create any clear chances on the counter attacks against a strong Huddersfield defense. Huddersfield had opportunities to extend their lead with shots from range, great individual runs and delivery into the box and on the 84 minute they managed to find the net again. With a great piece of build play down the left the ball was swung into the box and met well with a glancing header into the far corner to extend the Huddersfield lead. Barnsley 0-3 Huddersfield. With only a few minutes remaining in the game, Barnsley continued to battle well even though the game was all but concluded. 

FULL TIME - Barnsley 0-3 Huddersfield

An excellent game showcasing the quality of Women's Football in our county with both teams showing great spirit and determination right to the end. Congratulations to Huddersfield Town Ladies FC on their win and being crowned the 2017/18 Champions. 

Well played to Barnsley FC Ladies and good luck in next seasons competition. From all at SHCFA we wish Darcie Greene a speedy recovery and look forward to see her bac playing soon. 

Another mention has to go to our four officials that managed the exceptionally well under pressure and kept the game flowing.