Newcastle United Women’s team were given a hard work out at Kingston Park on Sunday against a tough Middlesbrough team in the FA Cup.
The Teesside club were the third team the Lady Mags have faced in a local derby this season, but despite playing two divisions apart, Boro proved to be as tough an opposition as any they have faced in the Championship during the first half of the campaign.
United Manager Becky Langley made some changes to the side that got beat off Liverpool a fortnight ago, with Deanna Cooper coming back into the centre of defence having not played since her dramatic equaliser at St James Park last month and Lia Cataldo making her first appearance since the opening day of the season. Both would come off at half time, but getting 45 minutes under their belts was crucial in terms of their recovery to fitness.
Midfielder Amber Keegan Stobbs was also used in the back four, while Emma Kelly was another to make a welcome return to the line-up after her injury frustrations this campaign. With only Shania Hayles rested on the bench, this was about as strong a starting XI as Langley could name.
There was also a familiar look to Boro’s line up too, with no fewer than seven former United players in the starting line-up; Laura Wareham, Ellen Packham, Grace Boyes, Sharna Wilkinson, Millie Bell, Ellen Turnbull and Lauren Robson. There was another on the bench in Jane Harland, with four others in Boro’s squad unavailable for one reason or another. Sarah Burn, Beth Guy and Keira Skelton missed the game through injury, while loan signing Becky Ferguson couldn’t play against her parent club.
A crowd of 1,428 witnessed what was as a typical derby and thunderous cup clash with battles all over the pitch. It was the lowest attendance of the season at Kingston Park, however, the conditions undoubtedly didn’t help, with the remnants of Storm Darragh certainly playing a part. Still though there were plenty of chants throughout to try and inspire the lasses out on the pitch.
Boro started the game stronger with Newcastle struggling to deal with the pace and press of their former winger Ellen Turnbull. That forced the home side to defend deep into their own box where Boro striker Jess Mett saw a shot cleared off the goal line, with just five minutes played.
Newcastle Women v Middlesbrough
Defender Grace Boyes, who left Newcastle over the summer, was especially getting stuck in and putting in some strong challenges against her former team mate Katie Barker, which frustrated her down the right flank. Sharna Wilkinson was another to move from Tyne to Tees over the summer, with the popular player putting in a combative performance in midfield. While, Ellen Packham who left Tyneside a year earlier, looked more than comfortable in dealing with the pace caused by Amy Andrews and Beth Lumsden.
Playing against the wind in the first half, didn’t do Boro any favours though. Some great play from Turnbull saw her cross into the box to Lauren Robson, but the former Newcastle favourite could only steer her shot wide with assistance from the wind. It was a huge let off. Soon after Jess Mett was sent through but she was just beaten by United goalie Claudia Moan before she could get a touch on it.
Newcastle were now seeing more of the ball but failed to really test their former goalie Laura Wareham. When they did attack, Boro kept their shape and defended well, seeing out periods of the home side’s possession. A crucial block from Abby Towers also prevented a good chance on goal.
Boro seemed set to head into half-time all square. However, Newcastle took the lead with just three minutes to go before the break. With Katie Barker cutting in to shoot, Wareham made the save but Hannah Greenwood reacted quickest and was on hand to turn home the rebound to give her side the lead.
Newcastle Women v Middlesbrough
Once again Boro started the second half on the front foot. With Ellen Turnbull continuing to be a threat from her low crosses into the box. Katie Barker soon responded for Newcastle as she drove into the box and shot towards the bottom corner but was denied by a great save from Wareham.
Boro did have the ball in the back of the net not long after but as Millie Bell got onto a Lauren Robson free-kick, she was flagged for offside. Newcastle again responded positively with Beth Lumsden hitting the bar from close range.
It was a much quieter second half as the biting cold wind and driving rain made conditions difficult once again.
Newcastle Women v Middlesbrough
Boro were keeping the game close and were still in the contest as Newcastle tried in vain to break them down. Memories of conceding late goals were still fresh in the minds of the Lady Mags but they got their insurance goal with six minutes to go.
Boro failed to clear a Newcastle corner, with the ball falling perfectly for Hannah Greenwood, who fired home through traffic from just inside the area. It was Greenwood’s second of the game and came while she had been moved back into defence.
The game won’t go down as one of Newcastle’s best performances, but given the weather and some tough and well organised opponents, the main thing was getting over the hurdle and into the hat for the next round.
The draw was made the day after the game and Newcastle will face either Nottingham Forest or Burnley at home in the second weekend of January.
Newcastle United Women’s team: Claudia Moan, Lia Cataldo (Lois Joel 46), Deanna Cooper (Georgia Gibson 46), Amber-Keegan Stobbs, Demi Stokes (Ella Baker 89), Hannah Greenwood, Emma Kelly, Jasmine McQuade, Katie Barker (Shania Hayles 62), Amy Andrews, Beth Lumsden (Kacie Elson 75)
Subs not used: Grace Donnelly, Hannah Hawkins, Liv Watt, Isabella Sibley
Middlesbrough: Laura Wareham, Abby Towers, Ellen Packham, Grace Boyes, Sharna Wilkinson, Millie Bell, Lauren Robson (Foster 75′), Leanna Giles, Ellen Turnbull, Jess Mett, Armani Maxwell
Subs not used: Ruby Cook, Fran Ward, Jane Harland, Maddie Myers, Darcie Sugden-Brook