Barn-storming finish by Tykes breaks Wallsend resistance

WALLSEND BCL suffered heartbreak in the NERWFL League Cup final, going down 3-2 to a late Barnsley winner despite a brilliant fightback.

Barnsley were quickly out of the blocks, Danielle Lowe forcing Wallsend goalkeeper Katie McTague into a good save after two minutes - but she was beaten two minutes later.

From 20 yards out an audacious lob from Amy Woodruff gave the Premier Division champions the lead.

Both sides wasted good chances as an entertaining first half came to a close.

Barnsley doubled their advantage with an early strike in the second period.

Brittany Sanderson crossed for Woodruff. Her header rebounded off the bar but the alert Drew Greene reacted and slotted home

McTague made more good saves to deny Barnsley as Wallsend continued to attack and after 74 minutes the North Tynesiders’ efforts were finally rewarded.

A race to a long ball into space was won by Elizabeth Campbell, who controlled the ball before beating the Tykes’ goalkeeper for her 24th goal of the season.

Wallsend levelled eight minutes from time.

A cross into the box by Claire Bridgett was met by the head of midfielder Jennifer Brennan.

Wallsend’s comeback looked likely to take the game into extra time.

However, three minutes from time, the Tykes netted a decisive third to complete their double.

From a free-kick, Woodruff managed to get the back of her head to the ball, sending it wide of the impressive McTague and into the net.

Runners-up medals this time for Wallsend, who had earlier won the Northumberland FA County Women’s Cup after finishing their debut Premier Division campaign in third place.