So, the final result of the Adobe FA Women’s FA Cup Fourth Round tie was Manchester United Women 5 Newcastle United Women 0. But the cold harsh reality of the scoreline does not reflect the impact this day may have on Wor Lasses.
This will therefore not necessarily to be a match report although it would be churlish not to mention the goals and scorers that went into the Lady Mags net as after 30 games unbeaten their proud record was broken.
The fact is though this was always going to be about the experience, the day, the learning curves, the response and so much more. It’s possibly the only time I’ve ever been on the end of a 5 – 0 loss for a team I follow and still feel positive.
It’s fair to say that after 399 days unbeaten stretching back to December 2022 which was also a FA Cup defeat at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers in that season’s third round it was always going to be a tough task to make it 31 unbeaten and continue the run.
Thus, it proved in the end but let’s start with the respect that Manchester United showed Newcastle. Ten full internationals in the starting XI including the world’s best goalkeeper in Mary Earps who was also selected in the FIFA Team of the Year alongside Ella Toone.
Four more full internationals on the bench including a 4-times Champions League winner and a World Cup winner. It was clear that Manchester manager Marc Skinner was taking no chances or liberties.
The size of Newcastle’s afternoon task just got that bit bigger when those team sheets came out. But as we edged closer to kick-off a remarkable thing was happening across the pitch from the players’ tunnel and team dugouts.
The black and white scarves, shirts, banners and more just kept pouring into the East Stand. Right from the start of the turnstiles opening the 1,200+ Geordies, yes that’s right 1,200 travelling supporters made themselves heard.
Such a show of strength was rewarded when as The Lasses completed their warm-ups they didn’t head straight back down the tunnel. Instead, they walked across in front of the magnificent Geordie fans and saluted them raising the noise levels even higher.
WOW 🤯
This @NUFCWomen away support 🖤#AdobeWomensFACup pic.twitter.com/CMWWi8JWt7
— Adobe Women's FA Cup (@AdobeWFACup) January 14, 2024
As the teams came out of the tunnel for the game the noise levels grew even higher and it was easy to see how much The Lady Mags were enjoying the support as they lined-up to shake hands with their Super League rivals.
From the off and with the score line blank Newcastle dug in, defended well were very solid, compact and organised and matched Manchester United all the way. Indeed, the first effort on target in the game came from Georgia Gibson on 10 minutes.
Unfortunately, her effort was not powerful enough to trouble Mary Earps who saved very easily. Not so easy was Grace Donnelly’s first action of the game. The Newcastle Club Captain diving full length to her right to push Ella Toone’s right-foot drive onto the inside of the post before scrambling to secure the rebound.
Wor Lasses were being forced back but led by skipper Amber-Keegan Stobbs they held firm and when they did get out it was usually Emma Kelly that tried to drive Newcastle forward.
Brazilian international Geyse and Canadian full back Jayde Riviere were very effective and linking up well on the right always looked dangerous for United and The Lionesses central midfield pairing of Katie Zelem and Toone were certainly pulling the strings.
The opening goal came on 27 minutes almost from nothing. Toone picking a loose ball up on the edge of the Newcastle box and then drilling a superb shot from just inside the box into the top corner of the net.
Toone turned creator for the second with a pinpoint cross into the box that the United defence couldn’t cut out and Nikita Parris nipped in to head home neatly from about six yards out.
Newcastle were still unflustered at this stage and kept battling away although they were glad to see a second Parris headed goal correctly ruled out for offside just before the half-time interval.
The second half opened with Newcastle trying to ger forward and they even put a couple of crosses into the Manchester area that Earps held comfortably before the home side went thee-nil up on 54 minutes.
A high ball into The Lasses box by Riviere was only half-palmed away by Donnelly with Lucia Garcia retrieving the loose clearance and crossing low for the unmarked Parris to bundle home her second from close range.
Manchester’s fourth came courtesy of substitute Rachel Williams on 70 minutes. The Super League legend crashed a 20-yard effort against Newcastle’s post but was on-hand to get to the rebound first and fire home from just inside the box.
The final goal came injury time with Man U skipper Zelem’s corner being met by French International Mel Malard’s firm header to give the home side a slightly flattering but well-deserved victory.
At the end of the game not a single Geordie supporter had left the ground. They stayed and showed their appreciation for the Lasses efforts and The Lasses themselves spent a fair time on the pitch in front of those super supporters savouring the moment.
That perhaps was the whole essence of the day. Man Utd were what they should have been. A sharp, incisive, clinical very talented side that showed their class on the day and the undoubted ability they have.
Perhaps Newcastle were slightly naïve in the hope that they could pull off an upset but despite the score line they were not embarrassed or humiliated. Quite the opposite. They were still running hard and competing right to the full-time whistle.
A lot of the time they didn’t look out of place and made sure at all times that Manchester knew they were in a game. For me the biggest differences were their first touch, pace throughout the side, an excellent use of space and movement and clinical finishing.
For Newcastle it was a massive learning curve. A game that they will learn lots of well-earned lessons from and one that clearly does give them a good idea of what they need to do to get where they need to be.
Manchester’s Manager Mark Skinner spoke very glowingly about his side’s opposition stating he could clearly see that they were a competent, well-coached and disciplined side that clearly had the potential to play at a higher level.
That had been the reasons why he chose to play such a strong side and he was pleased that he had and that they were able to go through. He also praised the terrific support from Tyneside adding that it made it a great atmosphere and wonderful occasion.
In defeat for Newcastle there were no heads bowed and no regrets. They knew that they had faced a tough task and so it proved but if the game and experience showed them anything it’s that they want to taste more of such occasions.
But overall, it was the feeling of pride and how proud everyone connected with Newcastle was with their showing on and off the pitch. This is a long-term project only six months into its full-time existence and it is obvious that the trajectory even after this result is moving in the right direction.
Newcastle took the biggest ever away following to Manchester that had ever been seen. They were loud and they were proud. Not just in noise but in admiration and support for the team they love.
In reply the team and coaching staff were grateful and appreciated that support and in turn they showed their pride in their following and being proud to play in the famous black and white and represent a Club going places.
So, it’s 30 and out and this Sunday it’s Nottingham Forest that visit Kingston Park as Wor Lasses return to FA WNL Northern Premier Division action. The table-topping Lady Mags looking to take another win, consolidate their league position and look to make it 1 and counting on the start of the countdown to the Championship and Promotion.
