Perhaps inspirational midfielder Beth Guy said it best when there was two games to go. “We’re in the semi-finals now and looking to win the final.” Or words to that effect. But Manager Becky Langley’s war-cry at the end of last Sunday’s game was also poignant.
The Lady Mags now stand one game away from glory and, in the form and confidence they are displaying, no-one – not even a total non-gambler like me – would bet against them. They’re like a runaway juggernaut smashing every thing in it’s path to oblivion.
Guy’s comments came after a superb 5 – 1 away win at Leeds United. Langley’s rallying call came after her side’s magnificent 6 – 0 win at Valley Parade Bradford last Sunday. A win that sent The Lasses to the top of the FA Women’s League Division One North.
It’s the first time they’ve been top this season, I believe. Having finally chased the admirable but pesky pests of Durham Cestria down, they are now in the box-office seat to take the glory.
Under strange and restricting FA regulations, only the side that win’s the league can be promoted to the FA Women’s Northern Premier League; the third tier of Women’s football in this country.
That’s a shame as both Newcastle and Durham deserve promotion after superb seasons and it’s going to be heart-breaking for whichever side misses out. Biasedly and unsurprisingly, I hope that’s Durham, whom I would extend huge sympathy to.
Last Sunday, United were superb once again. Professional in their approach showing magnificent togetherness on the pitch as they clinically dispatched Bradford to relegation on the back of a dominating performance.
Two goals from Erin Nelson and a ‘worldie’ from 25-yards from Guy had saw Wor Lasses go 3 – 0 up after forty minutes. As they trotted off to the changing rooms with a spring in their steps, many expected more after the break.
That’s what we got, although it took a while to come. With credit to Bradford for a gutsy brave effort in the second 45 minutes they came at Newcastle for long periods in the second half. United’s resilient competitive and solid back five keeping them out.
Then Langley made crucial substitutions and those coming on all contributed to the final three goals which came in the last four minutes plus injury time. Substitute Anna Soulsby setting up top scorer Georgia “GeorgyGoal” Gibson for the fourth on 86 minutes.
Gibson then floated a free-kick into the box on the 90 minute mark for another sub, Millie Bell, to head home firmly before completing the scoring with her second with a terrific 20 yard free kick after the third sub Katie Barker was fouled.
It all meant that the Lasses went above Durham Cestria. Same games, same record but with a +12 advantage in goal difference. Meaning essential that all they have to do is match Cestria’s result on the last day of the season.
United actually have the harder game at fourth top Barnsley whilst Durham go to eighth placed Chorley. Cestria are strong favourites to win that one so it means Becky Langley’s side will have to do the same against Barnsley.
I, for one, can’t wait for the game. If you’re one of those NUFC fans that can’t get a ticket for The Lads at home to Arsenal why not travel down to Wombewell Town FC, Barnsley and support The Lady Mags in the biggest game of their history this Sunday.
