Cambridge United get the better of Barnsley to set up FA Women's National League Plate final against Derby County

Cambridge United continued their historic FA Women’s National League Plate run on Sunday with a 3-2 semi-final victory over Barnsley.

The U’s, who have never previously reached the final of a national competition, will now battle it out for the silverware against their Derby County counterparts on a date still to be decided.

Against Barnsley, hosting United broke the deadlock in front of a crowd of more than 400 at the Premier Plus Stadium through defender Rachel Kosky, who rose highest in the sixth minute to guide the ball into the back of the net.

However, the visitors restored parity within five minutes courtesy of Alayna Millard’s strike from a cut back.

The scoreline remained level going into the break and it was not until the 62nd minute that United restored their lead through Isabella Simmons after she had latched on to Alysha Stojko-Down’s pass.

And Cambridge extended their advantage further in the 76th minute when substitute Ruth Fox showed a clinical touch inside the box.

The away side ensured that it would be a nervy finish to proceedings after Jodie Michalska pulled a goal back in stoppage time, but goalkeeper Lauren Webb and her defence stood firm to wrap up the win.

Writing on the social networking site X, United manager Darren Marjoram said: I’ve run out of words for this club, this team, this group of people.

“They give everything and more, and the recognition today is the least they deserve. A tough week for the club, but I hope we’ve put a smile on faces. No matter what, we are all United In Endeavour.”

United, who also defeated AFC Sudbury in a Division One South East encounter last Wednesday, will next be in action on 10 March when they travel to Queens Park Rangers.