For this league match against Sheffield United, Newcastle United Women’s team Manager Tanya Oxtoby made just one change to her starting line up. Lois Joel came into midfield for Hildur Antonsdóttir who was carrying a knock.
Jordan Nobbs and Freya Gregory were both named to the bench for the first time this season as they work themselves back to full fitness.
Club sponsor KNOX were in attendance giving out free samples of their energy drinks to fans.
While Wor Flags had some new designs on full display.
Before kick off there was a minute’s applause for former Sheffield United player Maddy Cusack who sadly took her own life three years ago.
In the 13th minute another minute’s applause was held for the first anniversary of former Liverpool manager Matt Beard, who also took his life.
A sobering reminder to reach out if you are suffering with depression.
Match Report
Photo by Adam Mackman via The Mag
Despite a strong wind in the stadium the fans were treated to some entertaining football inside the opening exchanges.
United striker Martha Thomas, who has played well in each game so far but without the goals her play deserved, looked industrious once again. While the Blades’ short passing game was proving effective against the blustery conditions. Gracie Pearse in defence and midfielder Ella Kinzett both looking good on the ball while Charlie Devlin went close with the game’s first shot on target.
However, we didn’t have to wait long for the opening goal. Thomas was at the heart of the move as she cut in off the right flank before picking out Beth Lumsden with an inventive pass from the outside of her foot. Lumsden, who was making her 50th WSL2 appearance for the club, took a touch on the turn inside the area, before curling her shot into the far corner for a lead her side wouldn’t relinquish.
Just moments later the Lasses doubled their advantage, when Mollie Lambert controlled well in the box before teeing up Kaitlyn Torpey to run onto and confidently finish into the bottom corner for her first Newcastle goal.
The Australian full back was outstanding throughout and had her best performance since joining the club in January.
Despite looking to be in control, Newcastle have never had it easy against the Steel City side, with each of the last three meetings ending 1-1, and the Blades making the games more attritional than aesthetically pleasing.
Photo by Adam Mackman via The Mag
They were equally stubborn on Sunday and grabbed a goal back out of nothing. A defensive mistake saw United goalie Anna Tamminen send a poor clearance straight into the onrushing Lucy Quinn and the ball was in the back of the net.
That gave the visitors fresh hope. Charlie Devlin fired wide before former Newcastle forward Amy Andrews used her blistering pace to good effect to get in behind United captain Rachel McLauchlan before cutting the ball back to Quinn. But the Blades goal scorer was unable to add to her tally, sending her first-time effort wide of the target.
Half time arrived with a distinct reminder that victories are earned and not gifted in this league. But just ten seconds after the restart, Newcastle restored their two goal advantage. Straight from the kick off a long searching ball was missed by a visiting defender, which allowed Torpey to advance down the left and send a perfect cross into the six yard box. Thomas read it excellently and executed a textbook striker’s header to claim her first goal for the club.
Soon after it was four, when Thomas grabbed her second. Beth Lumsden was again at her excellent best, flicking the ball over the Blades rearguard from a central position, before driving into the box and laying it off to Thomas to tap home from close-range.
Photo by The Mag
Sheffield United may have been down but they were not out. Half-time substitute Tilly Bristow saw a couple of efforts saved before Andrews was denied by a strong Tamminen save. The Finnish goalie pushing her shot onto the woodwork. Connie Schofield also came on late in the game forcing a few changes which made the Blades look sharper in attack.
Some late United changes by Tanya Oxtoby (pictured below) saw Oona Sevenius play up front and Jordan Nobbs just behind in a number ten role. The former England international sent a long ball through to Thomas to complete her hat-trick. However, as she entered the area she cut back onto her right foot and could only watch as her shot dropped wide of the post.
Photo by The Mag
Newcastle United: Anna Tamminen, Rachel McLauchlan (c), Aoife Mannion, Jemma Purfield, Kaitlyn Torpey, Beth Lumsden (Freya Gregory 84), Katie Bradley, Lois Joel (Hildur Antonsdóttir 68), Mollie Lambert (Leanne Kiernan 68), Kathleen McGovern (Jordan Nobbs 62), Martha Thomas (Oona Sevenius 84).
Subs not used: Kayla Rendell, Charlotte Wardlaw, Hanna Németh, Gemma Evans
Sheffield United: Sian Rogers, Leanne Cowan (Abbie Jones 88), Jess Reavill, Gracie Pearse, Sophie O’Rourke (Ava Baker 68), Halle Houssein (Tilly Bristow 46), Ella Kinzett (Connie Scofield 75), Charlie Devlin (Mollie Rouse 68), Sophie Harwood, Lucy Quinn, Amy Andrews.
Subs not used: Poppy Soper
Where that leaves the Newcastle United Women’s team
Three wins out of three with a maximum nine points sees the Lasses two points clear at the top of the table over Sunderland.
Wolves and Leicester City are a further point back. While Southampton, Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town all remain unbeaten.
Women's Super League WSL2 Table 2026/27 - 20 September 2026
| Pos | Team | Pl | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newcastle United | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 9 |
| 2 | Sunderland | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 7 |
| 3 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| 4 | Leicester City | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| 5 | Southampton | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 5 |
| 6 | Nottingham Forest | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 5 |
| 7 | Ipswich Town | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
| 8 | Bristol City | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 3 |
| 9 | Watford | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 7 | -4 | 2 |
| 10 | Burnley | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 1 |
| 11 | Durham | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 9 | -5 | 0 |
| 12 | Sheffield United | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 8 | -6 | 0 |
Some excellent individual performances from Beth Lumsden, Martha Thomas and Kaitlyn Torpey were the main talking points. With the trio responsible for the goals and multiple assists.
There is only one automatic promotion spot up for grabs this year. With the second placed side going into a relegation/promotion play-off with the team finishing second bottom in WSL 1.
What’s coming up
Newcastle are at home again next weekend with Leicester City set to visit Gateshead International Stadium on Sunday 27th September.
The Foxes were relegated from the Top Tier WSL1 back in May and have retained several prominent members of their squad. Most notably Alisha Lehmann and former Aston Villa right back Sarah Mayling.