Barnsley denied 'dream' St James' Park clash as Sheffield FA refuse to move County Cup final

This Sunday, St James' Park will play host to a Women's National League Division One North fixture as Newcastle United Women compete at the venue for the very first time in their 33-year history. 

The Magpies were scheduled to face Barnsley, but will instead take on Alnwick Town after County Cup duties prevented the Reds from making the trip to the North East.

Since making the final, Barnsley have been in contact with the Sheffield FA to try and rearrange the cup fixture, considering players, staff and supporters had already booked travel and accommodation for what was supposed to be a memorable occasion in Newcastle.

Barnsley Women's Football Club CEO Steve Maddock told Planet Sport: "Newcastle United were going to allow their women's team to play on St James' Park, and they were going to get about 10,000 people watching. It was going to be a great event for women's football and especially our two teams.

"They [Huddersfield] agreed that if we could, they would agree to play after the 1st of May, midweek, or the following Sunday. I contacted the County FA, but they wouldn't move.

"The County FA wouldn't budge. And without telling us, the FA swapped our [Newcastle] game for the following week - which means we miss out on the fixture at the stadium, and we're now playing Newcastle United at the University ground a week later."

It is understood that Sheffield FA had already paid for the use of Eco-Power Stadium - the venue for the County Cup final. While Barnsley did offer to cover the £2,000 expense in order to move the date, the governing body have stuck to the original plan.

Missing out on a historic trip to St James' Park was enough to force a strong reaction from many players and supporters. However, another