Hartlepool United Women suffered late heartbreak at home to Barnsley Women. An 86th minute Maddison Roye strike gave the South Yorkshire side the three points after a tight encounter at Grayfields.
Craig Bage's side had defended admirably for much of the game, with defender Emily Stuart and goalkeeper Lauren Ranson both winning player of the match awards.
The visitors had a strong start to the season, competing at the top end of the table, and quickly took charge of possession. They created plenty of opportunities throughout the first half, striking the outside of the post early on and firing a great chance wide from inside the area.
Pools also had Ranson to thank for a string of impressive saves in the first 45, most notably making a superb double stop to deny Barnsley going ahead in the 11th minute.
The hosts did have chances of their own in the opening half as they matched their opponents well. Leo Kennedy got forward well from right-back to fizz a strike just wide from 18 yards and Robyn Foster hit a half-volley that tested the Barnsley goalkeeper.
The game continued in a similar vein in the second half, Barnsley saw more of the ball but were competing with a resolute and well-drilled Pools backline. When they were able to cut through the defence, they found Ranson in no mood to be beaten.
During the second half, there were times where Pools looked more likely to break the deadlock. Hannah Dixon was played through on goal but saw her run halted by a superb covering tackle, while Lauren Gray hit a looping effort that required a save.
Barnsley broke the Hartlepool resistance four minutes from time. A first time shot from Roye curled high past a despairing Ranson to win the game for the visitors.
Pools: Ranson, Kennedy, Johnson, Stuart, Garside, Basnett, Pye, Gray, Geary (Dixon 63), Foster, Bilcliff
Subs (not used): Freeman, Rackstraw, K Robinson, Thornton