For the first time in their history, the Newcastle United Women’s team opened a second tier campaign at home, with a crowd of 1,671 braving torrential downpours prior to kick-off, before the game ended under glorious sunshine.
In the lead up to the game Rachel McLauchlan was announced the new team captain. Having only arrived over the summer from top flight outfit Brighton, the Scottish international was a popular appointment and has already worn the armband during pre-season when leading the team to victory in Valencia on penalties.
Jordan Nobbs and Jemma Purfield were named as vice-captains, with Aoife Mannion, Hildur Antonsdóttir, Kaitlyn Torpey, and Martha Thomas part of the wider leadership group.
Previous captain Demi Stokes now takes on a club leader role supporting Manager, Tanya Oxtoby. Acting as the connector between the staff and players, the former England Lioness will help the newly formed leadership team throughout the season.
Manager Tanya Oxtoby had her team lined up in their traditional 4-3-3 formation. However, Jordan Nobbs was left out of the line up due to injury. While Freya Gregory and Lia Cataldo continue to work back to full fitness and Jessie Gale is away on international duty with England U20s.
Photo by The Mag
Match Report
A dominant start from the Lady Mags saw them show their intent just seconds in. Scottish international Kathleen McGovern, once again playing down the left, forced Wolves goalie Emily Orman into a save at her near post after connecting with Martha Thomas’ flick-on.
But it wouldn’t be long before Newcastle would get the breakthrough. McGovern was at the heart of it again, cutting through the middle before slipping a tantalising ball out wide that Beth Lumsden chased onto. Drafting past visiting full back Beth Roberts, before slipping the ball under Orman as she raced off her line to find the net. Newcastle’s flying winger showed she wanted the ball more, straining every sinew to get there first.
Photo by The Mag
Wolves responded well soon after, when main striker Charlotte Greengrass held the ball up before playing in Melissa Lawley out wide. But she could only shoot straight at Anna Tamminen.
However, the Lasses soon doubled the lead in the 18th minute. In a near identical move to the first goal, Lumsden, this time played in by Thomas, beat Roberts to get to the ball first, before sending a low cross towards Mollie Lambert. The Hartlepool-born midfielder saw her sliding effort fired straight at Orman before her pure persistence forced a ricochet and found the path of the retreating Wolves defender Georgia Marshall, who was powerless to prevent it being diverted into her own goal.
Newcastle were playing some sumptuous football, with several more chances created and smart through balls slipped into the area in what was in stark contrast to much of last season. They came close to adding a third when Australian full back Kaitlyn Torpey slid a ball to Lambert, who having taken the ball around Orman couldn’t find the net from a tight angle so picked out McGovern. The latter’s cross was half cleared outside the area for Torpey to shoot first time, but it was cleared off the line by several Wolves players.
Wolves did grow into the game after that, enjoying some time in United’s half which in turn led to several crosses delivered into the penalty area as they looked for a way back into the contest. Yana Daniels at the heart of their creative play.
Photo by Adam Mackman via The Mag
However, Newcastle were well in control and eased the tempo somewhat in the second half, with far fewer chances created. Mollie Lambert perhaps having the best scoring opportunity, when played in on the left before curling her shot straight at Orman.
With substitutes Tammi George, Liv Francis, Tara O’Hanlon and Louanne Worsey all entering the fray, Wolves again started to get a foothold in the game. A couple of long range efforts from Chloe Williams and Hollie Olding a reminder the game wasn’t over, as the latter was able to draw a save from United’s Finnish Wall, Tamminen. With seconds remaining another Wolves substitute, Amber Hughes, was left unmarked at the back post, but her volleyed effort from close range was once again stopped by Tamminen to ensure a winning start and a clean sheet.
Photo by Adam Mackman via The Mag
Newcastle United: Anna Tamminen, Rachel McLauchlan (c), Aoife Mannion, Jemma Purfield, Kaitlyn Torpey, Hildur Antonsdottir (Katie Bradley 77), Lois Joel, Mollie Lambert (Oona Sevenius 92), Beth Lumsden (Leanne Kiernan 58), Martha Thomas, Kathleen McGovern (Emilia Larsson 77).
Subs not used: Kayla Rendell, Charlotte Wardlaw, Demi Stokes, Hanna Nemeth, Oona Sevenius, Gemma Evans.
Wolves: Emily Orman, Amy Sims, Georgia Marshall, Anna Morphet, Beth Roberts (Louanne Worsey 59), Mel Lawley (Tara O’Hanlon 59), Hollie Olding, Chloe Williams, Yana Daniëls (Liv Francis 82), Mel Filis (Tammi George 59), Charlotte Greengrass (Amber Hughes 70),
Subs not used: Alex Brooks (GK), Becky Anderson, Ellen Jones, Abbi Jenner.
Where that leaves the Newcastle United Women’s team
A whirlwind start set the foundations for the win. With the Lasses dominating both possession and chances throughout the game, while Anna Tamminen was not forced into any troubling saves until stoppage time.
One down and twenty one more second tier matches to go, as Newcastle build their promotion push to WSL 1.
They start the season joint top, only behind Southampton and Sunderland on goal difference.
What’s coming up
Newcastle visit Ashton Gate next Saturday for an evening kick off taking on Bristol City, a side expected to be one of their main promotion rivals this season.
However, the Robins will be looking to hit back after losing 4-1 away to Sunderland, despite taking the lead.
Newcastle are next at home the following weekend, when Sheffield United visit Gateshead International Stadium on Sunday 20th September.