The magic of the FA Cup - NUFC Women waltz through as fringe players make statement

Knowing NUFC Women’s Manager Becky Langley, she’ll probably have something to say about the two goals her side conceded on Sunday, rather than the nine, yes nine, they scored to take them through to the second round of The FA Women’s Cup.

Their opponents yesterday were Mancunian Unity; a side only formed four years ago and in reality a side that has only played two competitive seasons – the last two – after having the others slightly hampered by ‘birth’ and COVID.

That said, two years ago they were Tier 8 on the Women’s scale. Two seasons and two consecutive promotions had seen them reach Tier 6 where they are currently top of the Regional North West League and unbeaten as well.

To get to their ‘plum’ tie against Wor Lasses they’ve had to battle through three rounds and three incredible games they must have been. In the First Qualifying Round they beat Mossley Hill 6 – 5 then it was a 5 – 1 away win at St. Helens in the Second Qualifying Round.

Their victims in the Third Qualifying Round to land them a ‘fairytale’ tie against United were Penrith, whom Mancunian defeated 5 – 3 on the road. So, no doubt, they were pleased to get such a prestigious tie after such a battle to get to the First Round Proper.

Indeed, their Manager and Founder Paul Burke actually said that they were hoping to get Newcastle, but Newcastle away as they thought they might have a chance at playing at St. James Park. It wasn’t to be, but they were delighted to host United at their own ground.

Going into the game it had already been a big week for NUFC Women and two of their contingent in particular. At the Annual Sport Newcastle Awards Becky Langley scooped a trophy as Coach of the Year whilst England under-19 International Daisy Burt became the first ever female winner of the Jack Hixon Award for most promising footballer.

Burt further celebrating by being called up for her first start of the season in Langley’s reshuffled line-up for Sunday’s Cup-Tie. After last weekend’s excellent win over Stourbridge in the League, Langley had hinted at changes and was true to her hint.

She made several changes, but such is the depth and quality of her squad that it made little change to the fantastic run her side are on. Still unbeaten in all competitions The Lady Mags made a flying start to this game and by the end of the game were well and truly through to the Second Round.

Three up inside thirteen minutes with goals from Cara Milne-Redhead, Hannah Greenwood and Becky Ferguson they had virtually killed the game off with still three quarters to go.

Jas McQuade made it four – nil on 23 minutes with the first of her hat-trick before Unity pulled one back. It was only a temporary blip as United netted their fifth and McQuade her second to make it 5 – 1 before Unity struck again to make it 5 – 2 to The Lasses at the half.

The great thing for Langley and her coaching staff was that all five goals had come from players that wouldn’t normally start if everyone was fit. Unity though had given it a good go and could be pleased with their efforts in the first 45 minutes.

That effort was exemplified for 31 minutes in the second half as Newcastle laid siege to the Mancunian goal, but until the 76th minute couldn’t get a breakthrough. When it came it was spectacular. Sharna Wilkinson driving a 20-yeard free kick home.

The floodgates then opened. Anna Soulsby adding a splendid solo effort ten minutes from the end of the 90 and then in the stoppage time added Katie Barker made it eight and McQuade netted her hat trick goal to confirm the Lasses emphatic 9 – 2 win.

So many positives for Becky Langley to take from the game. Nine goals and seven different scorers all, except perhaps Barker, coming from squad players. Langley has said on more than one occasion that it’s about the sum of the whole and not just the 11 that start. This result and performance proved that.

For Unity they got their day in the sun or even the torrential rain if truth be told. They have a great little setup and are clearly a team going places. It’ll be interesting to follow their story as the season and beyond goes on.

But for NUFC Women it was in the hat for the Second Round draw. Everyone looking for a home draw to give them a chance at the Third Round when the WSL and Championship teams arrive in the competition.

In the end, and almost inevitably it seems with any Newcastle side this season, it will be trip to either Wigan Athletic or Chorley in the next round. United will fear neither team but for now will put that time and The FA Cup behind them.

The build-up now is for another huge League game this Sunday as The Lasses travel to The City Ground Nottingham home of FA Men’s Premier League Nottingham Forest to take on Nottingham Forest Women in another titanic tough away fixture.