BARNSLEY have blasted their way into the title race in the North East Regional Women’s Football League Premier Division, after backing up a fine win over Bradford City with a perfect 10 at Harrogate.

The Bantams were relegated from FA Women’s National League Division One North on the final day back in April, but in the early stages of this season, they looked to be putting themselves into a good position for an immediate return.

But City’s results have been a little inconsistent, and they currently sit sixth in the 12-team table, looking likely to spend a second consecutive campaign in this division.

Conversely, Barnsley have broken out of that middle pack and now sit second, just two points behind leaders Sunderland West End.

They were superb in a dominant 4-1 win over the Bantams 10 days ago, with City’s only reply a last-gasp consolation goal from talented teenager Mia Jacobs.

Barnsley carried that form into last Sunday, where they pulverised rock-bottom Harrogate 10-0 up in North Yorkshire.

The scale of Barnsley’s improvement is highlighted by the fact that the South Yorkshire side only won the reverse fixture against Harrogate 1-0 on home soil back in September.

The clash between Harrogate and Barnsley on Sunday was the only one in the division, with that the final game before the sides return from their Christmas break on Sunday, January 7.

City host Harrogate at Horsfall in that first game of 2024, desperate for three points to keep their slim promotion chances alive.