So, I didn’t blog about Wor Lasses derby day defeat to Durham last Sunday. Guess there was just so much going on I didn’t want to dampen the enthusiasm, with the Men’s team doing proud and finally nailed a trophy to the mast!
I’m 64 years old now. I’ve never seen NUFC Men win a domestic Trophy. Well, we did win The Championship under King Kev a few years back but I’m not sure that counts even though it’s the ‘old Division One’ trophy!
As the years slumbered on through Ashley I thought I’d never see a Trophy coming back to St. James Park. Then in walked the new owners. Now I refuse to get drawn in to the politics of the situation but my hope was renewed that we had our Club back.
Just over three years later the momentous day arrived and what a day it was. Well, at least for the Men and its followers it was. I watched it alone in my own living room barely able to hold back tears as the final whistle blew. It’s been a long, long, long time!
But this is about The Lasses believe it or not! Earlier in the day the team, its officials, supporters but not Press followers arrived at Maiden Castle, Durham for the return fixture in the Womens Barclays Championship.
I say no press followers as for reasons best known to them Durham didn’t afford press access to the Lads and Lasses that follow NUFC Women up and down the country spreading the growth of Women’s football in the North East.
Still, they had their reasons and they have to be respected. As does their 11 consecutive years in The Championship as independent Club not funded or affiliated to any senior men’s Club. A noteworthy achievement.
At the end of the 90 minutes, they can rightly say they now, for the moment, own NUFC after completing a deserved 3 – 1 win to complete a League double. They also stole a 1 – 0 win at Kingston Park earlier this year.
On Sunday United went looking for revenge and got off to a flying start. Emily Murphy with a great header in the 7th minute from a Beth Lumsden cross. It was looking good until 12 minutes of madness!
On 18 minutes with the United defence AWOL, Mollie Lambert’s right-wing cross found Chelsea loanee Aimee Claypole unmarked at the back post and she thumped a headed equaliser past the helpless Claudia Moan.
A minute later and it was Claypole again finishing well as once again United’s rearguard was unable to locate her and stop her putting Durham in front. On the half-hour mark and with Wor Lasses looking to recover Durham delivered the sucker punch.
A breakaway from a United attack saw Durham commit forward slicing through the NUFC back-line and seeing Beth Hepple drive a low left-foot shot into the bottom corner from 10-yards.
It was always going to be a tough task for United from then. Durham’s experienced, strong, physical line-up knew how to defend their lead. Their Championship nous and tactics in reality always giving them the upper hand.
Newcastle did press in the second half and had the vast majority of possession. Moan a virtual spectator for the second 45 minutes. But Durham’s defence showed United’s how it was done and held firm under pressure.
Lumsden and Lois Joel both went close but without success and United’s top scorer Shania Hayles on as substitute in the second half might look back on a couple of chances she had and think she may have done better.
But when the whistle went it was Durham who once again celebrated like they had at Kingston Park a victory that they will relish and cherish as they stayed above United in the League and left them in prime place to be the North East’s top side this season.
For United it was probably or even certainly the end of any slim hopes they had of a third consecutive promotion and a shot at the Women’s Super League. They’ll have to wait for next season and another shot now seemingly at promotion.
Well, the small matter of a Tyne-Wear Derby at St. James Park this coming Sunday and a chance for a League double over our nearest and dearest oldest and fiercest rivals, Sunderland AFC.
Back on October 13, 2024, two goals from Beth Lumsden gave United a 2 – 1 win at The Stadium of Light in front of 15,387 fans. At the time, a record for the Women’s game at the second level of National competition. That will change this Sunday.
At close of business on Wednesday night there had been a reported 28,600 tickets sold for Sunday’s game. That will smash not only the Championship record but United’s own personal home record. And that’s still with three full days of sales to go!
Add in any walk-up on the day and it’s likely to be well over 30,000 and closer to 40,000. A phenomenal achievement and one that can not be under estimated. Particular when you hear Durham proclaiming their attendance of 1,435 last Sunday as a success!
Add in the fact that it’s not just a Derby Day but that NUFC Fairs Cup Winning Skipper and Club legend Bob Moncur with parade The Carabao alongside CEO Darren Eales at the game and you have an occasion to savour.
You can say what you want about Newcastle United’s Ownership but right now the whole Club and its deserving fanbase is on a roll and long may that continue and bring even more glory to our football mad city.
> Come and support the lasses!
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> To celebrate the [@NUFCWomen](https://twitter.com/NUFCWomen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) record-breaking crowd at SJP on Sunday, the Carabao Cup trophy will be making its first public appearance at the derby. Lifted by club legend, Bob Moncur, and CEO, Darren Eales 🏆
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> Tickets ⤵️
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> — Newcastle United (@NUFC) [March 19, 2025](https://twitter.com/NUFC/status/1902427959106871713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)