Well, it took one game! Yes, one game and NUFC Women have already potted some silverware this season. The Sela Cup only means so much, but it was a brilliant day for Wor Lasses on Saturday, where Becky Langley’s Mags beat the mighty AC Milan before the Men played Brest at St James’ Park.
There was much speculation before the game as to how many of the seven summer signings would play. In the end five started, Deanne Cooper, Amy Andrews, Rachel Furness, Shania Hayles and Captain for the day Demi Stokes.
A sixth, Sophie Haywood coming on at half-time. But when the team sheets were handed out it was the goalkeeping name that caught the attention of many. No Claudia Moan starting nor Grace Donnelly instead a new name, Hannah Hawkins.
But when the team trotted out to warm-up it was a new name but a familiar face as Hannah ‘Reid’ it was who actually got married in the summer was the surprise starter in goal for Becky Langley’s side.
To the game and United’s women made a bright enterprising start with midfield dynamo Elysia Boddy very prominent but all were looking confident on the lush green St. James. Slightly disappointing that there was not more in the ground but those that were, were clearly enjoying it.
The Lasses took the lead in the 13th minute and what a peach of a goal it was. Hayles picking the ball up wide on the left showing great trickery to beat and speed away from her marker. She then found Boddy outside her.
Boddy, surely a player to watch this season as she was last turned the ball back to Hayles and went for the return taking it in her stride before curling an absolute beauty of a right foot shot into the far top corner past the helpless full length dive of the Milan keeper. Watch the stunning strike below:
⚽️ Elysia Boddy’s brilliant goal in @NUFCWomen’s Sela Cup clash with AC Milan yesterday 🇮🇹
The 20-year-old midfielder is one to watch in the Championship next season ⚫️⚪️#NUFC | @BoddyElysia
— NUFCBlog.co.uk (@NUFCblogcouk) August 11, 2024
A dream start for The Lady Mags but Milan showed their character and ability in abundance by not only coming back into the game but also going ahead. The equaliser was fashioned on a good right wing attack and finished well at the back post on 19 minutes.
The goal that gave the Italians the lead came on 24 minutes. Charlotte Potts surprisingly disposed when in possession, something you don’t see very often. The ball was transferred into the United area and a low shot from 12 yards crept under the body of Hawkins who might have felt she should have done better.
United almost levelled on 40 minutes when Furness climbed high at the back post to meet a touchline Beth Lumsden free kick. Her header flew past the Milan keeper but was kept out by an excellent goal line clearance.
The second half was a more disjointed affair as both sides made several substitutions and the sweltering conditions inside the stadium played a part. It seemed though that Milan were going to hold out until a piece of magic, well two actually, got United level.
It came with three minutes to play. Furness playing a delightful first-time flick around a defender to send Andrews running at goal. She in turn flicked the ball around a defender and then from fully 22-yards arched a delightful effort into the top corner.
Some way to introduce yourself to the Geordie faithful! Take a bow, @amyandrews_x 🙌
Watch highlights from yesterday's @Sela Cup win over AC Milan on the Official Newcastle United app!#NUFCWomen pic.twitter.com/bdrgUSS6jA
— Newcastle United Women (@NUFCWomen) August 11, 2024
It meant the game was level at 2 – 2 at the final whistle and went straight to penalties. United prevailed after Hawkins saved Milan’s first spot kick superbly each team then went on to score from their next kicks.
Furness, Haywood, substitute Georgia Gibson (naturally at the Gallowgate end) and Cooper had United 4 – 3 in front and the Milan player hit the bar with their fifth kick and The Lasses were victorious and kept their 100% record at St. James intact.
The celebrations at the end showed that this meant a lot to this new group of players. Some felt it was over the top for a pre-season friendly but this was AC Milan at St. James Park and silverware so why not celebrate.
There was a great indication that already the new acquisitions and those that have been here for a season or more are already in tune. A great togetherness and comradeship clearly on show from all.
In the post-game conference Becky Langley paid tribute to the late great Lasses photographer Colin Lock saying that one was for him and that he would have enjoyed it very much.
She also said that her coaches and players weren’t going to get carried away and knew there was work to put in. She did say thought that she had been very pleased with all aspects of the performance and it was a promising way to start.
When pressed as to whether all transfer business was done she had a little smile and answered as you’d expect saying that nothing was closed nor in the pipeline but you never rule anything out.
The last word though went to Amy Andrews a delighted scorer on her debut at St. James and in the Gallowgate end. Her joy and excitement was clear to see as she looked forward to the coming season with a statement that she was looking to be The Championship’s top scorer this season.
Bold words but why not? If you see it, believe then you can achieve it and there’s an extremely exciting season ahead for Newcastle United Women that’s for sure.
Both superb build up play and fabulous shots
Mike(Quote)