It did not take the home side long to open the score line, just minutes into the first half Mo Wilson netted her first of the day with a fantastic short corner strike, smashing the ball over the line and into the back of the net, 1-0. The Rotherham development team played some superb hockey and unlike previous games when they have lacked concentration after scoring, they managed to hold possession. Michaela Cocksedge, Helen Chapman and Jenni Willies played the ball beautifully around midfield creating multiple chances for Wilson and Becky Lee to extend Rotherham’s lead.

After prodigious defensive play from Captain Wendy Davis and centre back Amanda Thickett, the 31st minute saw Rotherham work the ball down the right hand side of the field around the back and slip the ball into the top of the D to Wilson, unselfishly she slipped the ball to the back post where Lee was waiting to flick the ball over the Barnsley keeper and into the back of the net. At half time the home side lead 2 goals to 0.

The second half saw Rotherham begin in the same manner as the first, pounding the Barnsley D and firing in shot after shot, only strong defending from the Barnsley centre back and excellent saves from the goalkeeper kept Rotherham at bay. However, the visitors could not keep the youngsters out for long, Wilson netted a further two goals one again from a short corner and the other a tactile near post finish, she coolly slipped the ball under the keepers flailing arm, 4-0.

A further two goals followed for Rotherham, a fantastic lift at the back post and a straight strike finish from Cocksedge from close range. Barnsley managed to claw back a consolation goal towards the end of the game, but nothing could take away the fantastic performance and six superb goals from the young Rotherham side. The girls fly through to the next round of the Sheffield and District Cup.

Man of the Match deservedly goes to Helen Chapman for her outstanding performance at right midfield.