U's secure spot in Plate final

Cambridge United Women made history on Sunday with a 3-2 win against Barnsley, which secured their place in the Club's first ever national cup final...

United produced a tremendous performance in-front of a healthy crowd of 407 at St Neots Town, to set-up a place in the FA Women's National League Plate Final against Derby County on Sunday 21 April.

Darren Marjoram's side got off to a fast start, taking the lead after just six minutes through Kosky's lofted effort over the Barnsley goalkeeper. The visitors equalised just five minutes later and the U's had to ride out some difficult moments to get to half-time with the scores level, as Lauren Webb was called into action on multiple occasions.

The second half started in a similair vein, as Barnsley pushed to take the lead. The first opportunity of the second half fell to Barnsley’s Emily Pierrepont. A overhit cross fell to her at the back post, and her curling effort bouncing off the crossbar, much to the relief of most in the stadium. In Barnsley's desperation to take the lead, space was left at the back, and United struck on the counter with Stojko-Down playing in Simmons to make it 2-1.

Barnsley knew they had to respond and therefore began pushing higher, ultimately leaving the U’s with time in the midfield. Frustration beginning to set in for the visitors as they began to make small fouls in the centre of the park, much to the reception of the 400 plus fans.

With her job done, Simmons was shortly substituted for Fox, who was almost immediately into the action to give Cambridge daylight and a third goal. Zoe Wood chasing down a long ball before cutting it back to Fox on the penalty spot who remained calm, turning and lifting the ball over Clarke and into the goal to make it 3-1.

Barnsley did find a way through for a second goal in added time. A hopeful ball went through everyone and was tapped in by Jodie Michalsen. A shaky moment for the U’s who continued to absorb more pressure deep into stoppage time.

One final push down the left side drew the final whistle confirming progression to the Final. Elation from the players, staff and fans following a great performance against a strong Barnsley team.

The venue for the final on Sunday 21 April is still TBD - confirmation and ticket information will follow in due course.

The Next U’s game will be on Sunday 10^th March, against QPR Women at Loftus Road (2pm Kick Off).

For more photos, reaction and highlights from the match, in addition to news throughout the season, follow @CambridgeUtdWFC on X.