Match Report | WCWFC 1-0 Barnsley

City end the year on a high as a brilliant display sees them dispatch Barnsley at Sixways

Photo by Flotography

City welcomed high-flying Barnsley to Sixways in FA Women’s National League Division One Midlands action on Sunday afternoon in their final match before the Christmas and New Year break.

City were left frustrated last Sunday as the league fixture at Daventry Town, to take on Northampton Town, was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch just minutes before kick-off, as Worcester looked to kick on following a fantastic 3-0 win against Lincoln United the week before, thanks to a brace from midfielder Nyah Edwards who finds herself in inspired formed recently, and a well taken goal from forward Jenn Higgs to earn City the three points at Sixways.

The game started out with both sides feeling each other out, with no chances in the opening 15 minutes for either side.

Just after, City had a great chance to take the lead, after Kaye Haggett hooked the ball forward, and after some superb upper body strength from Maia Clark, the ball fell to Jenn Higgs, who tried to lift the ball over the keeper, but she managed to gather the ball.

Moments later, City took the lead after a superb Jess Bate cross from the left-hand side, and there was Haggett at the back stick to tap home.

Just before the half-hour mark, Barnsley rattled the crossbar after a Jess Bate clearance fell to the forward on the left-hand side of the box.

Barnsley had three opportunities to level the contest, after a half volley hit the post, a pinball in the box which City through bodies at the keep the ball out of the net, and Jodie Whiteman tipped the ball out of play following a powerful shot from the left.

Into the second half, and City’s defensive heroics were there again after first Bate flung herself towards the ball to block a shot, and from the resulting corner Charlotte Poole was there on the line to stop a goal-bound effort.

Just before the 70th minute, Clark found herself beyond the Barnsley defence following a great run; however, the Barnsley keeper made a great save to deny City their second.

Six minutes later, Haggett played Poole down the left flank, who then tried to bend the ball into the top right corner, but her shot whistled past the post.

Deep into stoppage time, Poole had a shot from the left again, but she hit the side netting.

City’s brilliant display earned them the three points, to move up to 6th in the FA Women’s National League Division One Midlands table on 16 points, which has cemented the club with the highest they have ever been in their history.

Next up is City’s first match of 2026 as we travel to the Domino Arena to face Sutton Coldfield Town in FA Women’s National League Division One Midlands action on Sunday, 4th January, with a 14:00pm kick-off.  Tickets are priced £5.00 for Adults and £3.00 for Concessions (U18/65+).

WCWFC U18s

City’s U18s were in Worcestershire County Cup action at the Studley Sports Centre as they travelled to face local rivals Bromsgrove Sporting.

The game was goalless until the 87th minute, when City took the lead; however, Bromsgrove pegged City back straight from the kick-off, forcing the tie to go to a penalty shootout.

City won the shootout 2-0 to progress to the next round of the County Cup.

WCWFC Reserves

City’s Reserves were in FA Women’s Regional League Division One South action as they made the short trip to face Droitwich Spa.

City’s Reserves fell to a 2-0 defeat to Droitwich Spa on Sunday afternoon, with the hosts scoring in each half to claim the three points.

City aren’t in action until the New Year, as Worcester face a trip to Leamington in league action on Sunday, 11th January, with a 14:00pm kick-off.

Thank you for all your continued and fantastic support throughout a historic 2025 for everybody connected to Worcester City Women.

Everybody at the club would like to wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.