24,092 rolled up and smashed the FA Women’s National League attendance record for a league game outside of the Women’s Super League at St. James’ Park last Sunday.
The figure beat Newcastle Women’s previous record set last season when they defeated Alnwick Town 4 – 1 in front of over 22,000. It shows the passion for football and success for a Club going big places under their new ownership.
We all know that Eddie Howe’s senior men’s first-team have benefitted enormously from the takeover and look Champions League bound. But significantly, Becky Langley’s Lady Mags are also on the march and were watched by proud owners last Sunday. Those who turned up were treat to regal display from a dominant Newcastle side that smashed Bradford City Ladies 6 – 1 on the day to take a huge step forward in their chase to overhaul local rivals Durham Cestria.
The massive win means they have now matched Durham’s goal difference and with three games to go against Durham’s one will surely better that IF they can win out. Therein lies the problem. Durham have one game left this season. A win at Chorley would mean Langley’s ladies have to win all their remaining three games. Three tough road fixtures at Leeds United, Bradford City in the return and then at Barnsley.
These games are no ‘gimmes’ either. It appears that no-one wants to see NUFC promoted as, like the senior men’s team, the influx of the new ownership sees the Lady Mags with a target on their backs.
When The Lasses conceded a 97th minute equaliser two weeks ago at mid-table Hull City, the Yorkshire outfit celebrated the goal as if they’d won the league. Such is the aurora that now surrounds NUFC Women and their expectations.
On Sunday The Lasses could not have done more. Two headed goals from Georgia Gibson corners from Beth Guy and Charlotte Potts saw United go in at half-time in control of the game.
The second half was electric. Raychel Lee put Gibson through for United’s top scorer to net a third. Lee herself then got the fourth from the penalty spot after Kacie Elson was tripped in the box.
Guy nodded in another from Potts’ long free-kick to make it five before Bradford grabbed what they thought was going to be a late consolation. The Lasses had other ideas and from another Gibson corner Potts was there again to make it six.
A dominant, powerful, confident display from The Lady Mags who showcased their undoubted talent and ability in front of that amazingly awesome record crowd.
Now they have to put the euphoria of that momentous occasion in front of Amanda Staveley, Mehrdad Ghodoussi and the adoring Geordie public and march on to Leeds on Sunday. Buckle yourself in, it’s come be a heck of a ride.
