BARNSLEY FC women have won seven in a row but now want to continue that run and secure the North East Premier title after moving into a strong position.
The Reds won 3-1 at Alnwick on Sunday so remain level on points with leaders Spennymoor who have a better goal difference but have played two extra games.
Barnsley have three games to play starting at third-placed South Shields on Sunday.
Manager Jess Horsley said: “I haven’t been looking at our form.
“Once one game is over I think about the next one.
“It’s so big, the games that are left are massive and it takes over your life.
“But it’s really good that they keep winning.
“When we go into top gear, nobody seems to get close.
“Other results have massively gone in our favour.
“We’re in the best position but we have to play South Shields and Wallsend away.
“We need to make sure we give everything.
“Those games will decide the title.
“If anybody had suggested this at start of the season, I don’t think I would have been saying we would do it.
“I would have liked to but I thought it would be difficult at the start of the season.”
At Alnwick, Victoria Chincharo put the Reds in front then, after the hosts levelled, substitutes Kirstie Nicholls and Jodie Gregory won it.
“It was a massive three points.
“I would have taken a draw because we had a lot of key players missing, but the players who came in were outstanding.
“After a slow first half, we dominated in the second half and it was a brilliant performance.
“Alnwick had a cup final on the Thursday night and I think, in the second half, they struggled with us.
“We played Alnwick at home on the first day of the season on the main Oakwell pitch and lost.
“The progression since then is massive and we’re a completely different team.
“We’ve brought in about five players since then and others have improved a lot.”
After the trip to South Shields, Barnsley will travel to the north east again to visit Wallsend on May 12 before completing the season at home to Wakefield on Wednesday, May 15.
They are in the League Cup final at Norton and Stockton FC on May 19 against either Sunderland West End or Sunderland under 23s who are due to play their semi-final on May 12.
That week could be a busy one for Barnsley FC with the men at Wembley in their play-off final if they defeat Bolton Wanderers in the semi-final.
Horsley said: “I was speaking about that with Julie Anne (Quay, part-owner of the club).
“It would be fantastic if the men are at Wembley on the 18th and we are in cup final on 19th.
“It would be great for town and club if we can both be promoted.
“There is lot of hard work for both of us to do but hopefully it will happen.”
