PNE deserved more from a good hard-fought match against higher opposition and had enough chances to earn at least a draw.

North End started well as Louise Cafferkey had a good effort saved and Sarah Berry was unlucky when her header whistled past the posts.

Barnsley, though, took the lead on 14 minutes, from a counter attack.

PNE immediately struck back when Dawn Holland slotted in a Fiona Dransfield cross.

They continued to work hard with Sarah Berry forcing a good save and Mandy Cummings shooting inches over the bar.

Fiona Dransfield also had a shot well saved as PNE easily cleared the occasional counter attacks from Barnsley.

PNE weathered the storm, though, and Sarah Berry and Louise Cafferkey each had shots well saved. Barnsley took the lead after a defensive slip-up left the striker clear to slot it past the PNE keeper on 60 minutes.

The referee ignored PNE pleas for a penalty on 70 minutes and Mandy Cummings was unlucky, when her header from a corner went just over.

The Barnsley keeper excellently saved Laura Cain's low drive on 78 minutes.

PNE continued to battle hard for the equaliser, and it came on 83 minutes when Mandy Cummings passed to Fiona Dransfield who slammed in a goal.

Parity was short lived, though, as Barnsley restored the lead on 85 minutes from a header.

PNE continued to press for the equaliser but couldn't force the game into extra time.

On Sunday PNE are at home to Bury.

WFA Cup 1st Round: PNE Women's FC 2 Barnsley Ladies 3