Women’s National League

Subterms

    Latest story

    213 Shares12 Views

    Millie Bright says England ‘have a lot of work to do’ before facing Nations League rivals Spain

    by

    MILLIE BRIGHT wants England to get to “a place of consistency” following a winless start in their first Nations League outing this year. The Lioness vice-captain, 31, says the team have much to do before their Wembley clash with World Cup winners Spain. Millie Bright hopes England can improve their consistency and get closer to their best performance levelsCredit: GettyThe Lioness centre-back and her team-mates were held to 1-1 draw by Portugal in their first Nations League outing this yearCredit: GettyEngland’s next opponents Spain battled from 2-0 down to secure a 3-2 win in their Nations League clash with BelgiumCredit: GettyFriday night saw the reigning Euros champs held to a draw by plucky Portugal after Kika Nazareth’s curled strike caught the visitors out following Alessia Russo’s opener. The 1-1 result at Portimao Stadium  has led to questions about the Lionesses’ recent mixed form before one of their biggest international tests this year.On Wednesday they face a battle with a side aiming to swipe their Euros crown having  beaten them in the 2023 World Cup final in Sydney, Australia.  Despite their Friday night draw, Bright has backed England to get closer to the “levels they want to be at” before their Euros title defence begins in July. Read More Football StoriesWhen asked if she had any concerns about the team’s form, Bright said: “No, not at all. “Football is a journey and we’ve been in this position before when we’re in a really good place and things are going our way. “But then we go through moments where other teams progress and get better. “We’ve still got a lot of work to do and that’s just part of the game. Most read in Football”There is work to be done but we’re aware of what we need to do. “With each game we just have to make sure we keep closing the gap and get closer and closer to the levels we want to be at. “Putting that work in on the training pitch is the most important thing.”Including their result on Friday England have been winless in three of their last seven Nations League games since September 2023. Two of these results include away losses to the Netherlands and Belgium. In two of their last four friendlies of 2024, they fell to a 4-3 loss to 2022 Euros finalists Germany, whilst also drawing 0-0 with Emma Hayes’ USA stars. England’s score draw with Portugal was the second time since July 2023 that the 22nd best team in the world have shared the spoils with Sarina Wiegman’s side. Bright added: “With the (Fifa) rankings people might look at those and think we should be battering this team but as players we don’t look at it like that. “We’ve seen the results they’ve been getting, their performances and the threats they challenged us with. “We’re just going to focus on working on ourselves. “We have to keep that strong mindset to know that we’ve got to get to where we want to be.”Where England fans hope the Lionesses will be next is on the winning side of their next Nations League encounter.An upcoming clash with Spain will see Wiegman’s players go toe-to-toe with the team that denied them a dream  World Cup win in Australia almost two years ago. On Friday their Spain battled back from 2-0 down against Belgium, to seal a dramatic 3-2 win in group two of League A in the Nations League. However Bright believes there are positives England can build on before facing Spain. The 85-capped Lioness said: “As a group we are trying to get to that place of consistency, but that takes time. Alessia Russo reckons England need to be more rutless with scoring chances in their next Nations League gameCredit: Getty”There are lots of things to work on and when you’re playing a top team that poses threats.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think the biggest thing is just keeping the ball better and the possession all over the pitch.”We need to just stick together as a group, get back on the training pitch and work hard and be ready for a big game on Wednesday.” More

    More stories

    • 225 Shares18 Views

      in Soccer

      Sarina Wiegman eyes Nations League victories for England in their first competitive tests this year ahead of Euros 

      by

      NOTHING less than two wins is the aim for Sarina Wiegman and England when they face Portugal and Spain in the Women’s Nations League.While the start of their Euros title campaign is five months away, the Lionesses are fully focused on the present. A 0-0 draw in July 2023 was the result of the last clash between Portugal and Sarina Wiegman’s LionessesCredit: GettyEngland will be aiming for an away win against Portugal at Portimao StadiumCredit: GettyThe game could see Nikita Parris play her first game for the Lionesses since November 2022 following her England recallCredit: GettyGroup place finishes at the end of the Nations League will dictate which sides are placed in each league for the European qualifying games for the 2027 World Cup. Teams who finish in first and second place in each League A group stay in the top league for the qualifiers.England boss Wiegman, whose side are in group three of League A, said: “We’re going to approach these games to win this Nations League. “This is also important to get us in the best position for the draw, for the qualification for the World Cup. Read More Football Stories”That’s a little further away, but that’s why these games are very important too.”Speaking to reporters at England’s base in the city of Albufeira in Portugal’s Algarve, full-back Lucy Bronze added: “Everyone’s always going to have one eye on the summer, that’s for sure. “But as Sarina said, We are focused on one game at a time. It is important to us. “I think the Nations League, the setup now, means that every game matters so much.Most read in Football”All the teams around us are getting better. “So it is important that we focus on the here and now.”While the here and now is a clash with Portugal in Portimao tonight followed by a February 26 Wembley duel with Spain, some fans will look at both as a rehearsal for England’s Euros campaign.In 137 days the Lionesses will kickstart their quest to remain European Champions.Their historic triumph in July 2022 was off the back of winning the six games they played at the tournament. Results which included a gritty quarter-final defeat of Spain on their way to beating Germany 2-1 in the final at Wembley. Much has changed on the international stage since then with Spain now a tougher force to be reckoned with, particularly when facing their European rivals. The team, managed by Montserrat Tome, won seven of their eight Women’s Nations League on their way to becoming the contest’s 2024 winners.Their victory last February, following a 2-0 defeat of France in Seville, came six months after beating England in the World Cup final in Australia. In 2024 we gained a lot of experience, whether it was good or bad. We learned a lot from that which is going to give us a bit more of an edge.Along with France, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden, Spain are among the sides likely to be the biggest challengers to the Lionesses for Euros glory. Having lost and drawn two of their last international fixtures, England are eager to get off to a solid start before this summer’s Euros and their next Nations League fixtures in April.While the team beat South Africa and Switzerland in friendlies last October and December they also drew 0-0 with the USA and lost 4-3 to Germany at Wembley. Bronze adds:  “In 2024, maybe some results didn’t go our way. “The most important thing is when we get to the summer, that’s when we want to make sure we’re performing for that tournament (the Euros).”In 2024 we gained a lot of experience, whether it was good or bad.”We learned a lot from that, which is going to give us a bit more of an edge.”Filling void left by midfield mainstay Georgia Stanway Since her breakthrough as the youngest player in England’s 2019 World Cup squad Georgia Stanway has become a lynchpin in the team’s midfield.But the Bayern Munich star is in a race to be fit before the Euros.A collateral ligament tear in Stanway’s right knee means England will be without one of their most influential figures from their 2022 Euros-winning squad for tonight’s game and their clash with Spain. A player who was the last to score for the Lionesses against Spain in a major tournament. Stanway’s absence has left Wiegman needing to look to midfield alternatives for one of her most tenacious all-round players. Bayern expects the midfielder who helped them to two title wins since 2022  her to be out for “several months” following her knee op in January. The 75-capped Lioness played in all six games for England at the 2022 Euros. Her link-up play with Keira Walsh and Wiegman’s forwards has proven effective in some of the Lionesses’ most high stakes encounters in recent years. In Stanway’s absence Grace Clinton will be among their midfield options in an eight role. Last February Clinton shone on her senior international debut, playing in this position during a 7-2 hammering of Austria. A natural is how Wiegman described the midfielder who has impressed with her dribbling ability. It took the United player, who spent last season on loan at Tottenham, just 19 minutes to score after making her first start for Wiegman’s England.  Grace Clinton could play in the number eight role for England with Stanway currently recovering from a knee collateral ligament injuryCredit: GettyOther potential alternatives include skipper Leah Williamson and Leicester ace Ruby Mace. READ MORE SUN STORIESEngland chief Wiegman said: “We have a lot of things in consideration and you’ll see who we’ll pick. “Of course we think about many, many scenarios, what the options are and at the end, we’ll pick one.” More

    • 213 Shares38 Views

      in Soccer

      England ace Lucy Bronze hails ‘brave’ Spain players and former Barcelona team-mates following Luis Rubiales case verdict

      by

      LUCY BRONZE praised the ‘incredible’ bravery of Spain international players who were involved in the case brought against Luis Rubiales. The ex-Spanish football federation chief was found guilty of kissing forward Jenni Hermoso without her consent following Spain winning the Women’s World Cup in August 2023.Former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales was found guilty of sexually assaulting Spain forward Jenni HermosoCredit: PASpain’s record goalscorer Hermoso accused Rubiales of kissing her against herCredit: ReutersBronze’s old Barcelona team-mates Alexia Putellas and Irene Paredes were among the Spain players who gave testimonies in support of Hermoso during the caseCredit: EPABronze says Spain’s players have been “incredibly brave” in their fight for change within the sport in their countryCredit: GettyEarlier Today Rubiales was convicted of sexual assault after kissing Hermoso on the lips.The incident happened as she celebrated her team’s 1-0 defeat of England in the tournament’s final in Sydney. It marred the triumph for Spain’s players and the forward, who is currently her national side’s record goal scorer. It aslo prompted an international outcry across the sport with the Spanish FA issuing a public apology. Read More Football StoriesAfter being found guilty of sexual assault Rubiales was fined £8935 (EUROS 10,800), but was acquitted of a charge of coercion after being accused pressuring the player to downplay the incident.The conviction came a year and five months after he resigned as president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). Irene Paredes and Alexia Putellas, Bronze’s team-mates at Barcelona and Arsenal’s Laia Codina appeared at the trial to give testimonies in support of Hermoso Speaking shortly ahead of the verdict reached by Spain’s High Court, Bronze, who played at Barcelona for two years from June 2022 said: “I am good friends with a lot of the players involved around it. Most read in Football“From my point of view it’s been incredibly brave that these players have had to go through that. “It’s incredibly brave, as individuals and as a team collectively they’re fighting for change, not just in that court case but in their federation. “It’s amazing. As an England team we’ve made changes, not for the same reasons, but we stand by them.“During my last year at Barcelona, watching their ordeals after the World Cup, I think it was challenging for them. “It would be nice for them to get back to their football and focusing on that because they are incredible people and unbelievable players as well.”Bronze and her England team-mates will play Spain in the Women’s Nations League on February 26 five days after taking on Portugal. Both matches and the verdict of the Rubiales case come in a month in which female athletes’ safety and abuse directed at female footballers has been in the spotlight. On Sunday Manchester City’s Khadija Bunny Shaw gave a Black Power salute after scoring during her side’s 4-0 win against Liverpool in the WSL. The Jamaica striker was the target of racist and misogynistic abuse following the Cityzens’ 4-3 loss to Arsenal in the Women’s League Cup on February 6. Shaw’s club and a Man City fan group said they were appalled by the “disgusting treatment” of the player who finished last season as the WSL’s top goalscorer. And England and Chelsea’s Millie Bright spoke out against a fan directing expletive-laden insults at her during the Blues’ 1-0 away win at Aston Villa earlier this month. Bronze, who has spoken out on a range of issues facing players in the women’s game, insists it’s important female athletes can use their platforms to push for change and empower each other.The right-back, who joined Chelsea from Barcelona last July, said:  “Everyone is using their platform to make change and to try and be positive and to do the right things. “That is something that is special about women’s sport in general. We all have each other’s backs and try to empower each other. “Sadly there is that negative side to sport in general but we are trying to make change. Khadija Shaw did a Black Power salute after being the target of racist and misogynistic abuse earlier this monthCredit: Getty“We want the world to be a better place, the sports that we play to be better places. READ MORE SUN STORIES“We want to be safe, we want to bring joy and excitement and that is why we all play the sport. “To use our platforms to push those things forward and make change for little boys and girls, that is something we hold really dear to our hearts.” More

    • 275 Shares47 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘If there is a message to be sent, it is that we are human’, says Millie Bright on fan abuse of players 

      by

      MILLIE BRIGHT says speaking out about the abuse she received from a fan was prompted by her wish to protect players who have been through similar ordeals. And the Chelsea and England star wants supporters of the women’s game to see footballers as “human” and “not items”. Millie Bright and her England team-mates are in Portugal preparing for their Women’s Nations League games this monthCredit: GettyThis month Lioness centre-back spoke out on being the target of an expletive-laden insult from fan at a WSL gameCredit: GettyBright, who is in Portugal ahead of the Lionesses’ upcoming Nations League games, was reflecting on being the target of expletive-laden insults from a fan at a WSL game. The England vice-captain said a supporter who had attended Chelsea’s away duel with Aston Villa had made the remark after her for pictures and autograph.In an online post shared via her Instagram account following the incident, Bright recalled being ”hugely disappointed.”While the centre-back usually has “good responses” and interaction with supporters she hopes they treat female players will respect Read More Football StoriesBright, who is preparing to face Portugal in the Nations League tomorrow, said: “If there is a message to be sent, it is that we are human. “We are somebody’s partner and somebody’s daughter. We are not items. “Nobody owns us. We own ourselves and that needs to be reminded and told.”Reflecting on how she felt immediately after being the target of insults from a supporter, Bright added: “In the moment I didn’t actually do anything. I was really taken aback and disappointed. Most read in Sport“That was the biggest thing. Football is opinionated and everyone can have one. I wasn’t actually bothered about the opinion of my performance.“It was more the fact I had gone to the fans to give my time, give signatures and inspire the next generation and say hi to little ones. “To give that time and to try to have a genuine conversation and to then be disrespected afterwards immediately, I just thought ‘I’m here off my own back.’. “I thought ‘I’m so glad it was me and not one of my team-mates, a youngster, or someone going through something that nobody knew about.’ “We go out to play for our fans every single game – whether that’s with our clubs or countries – and we want to make everyone proud. “We’re trying to inspire the next generation. “I’ve heard of a couple of situations that players went through where they maybe didn’t feel strong enough to speak out. “You don’t deserve to be disrespected, especially not when you have given your time and efforts after a game.”England will play Portugal at Portimao Stadium on February 21 in their first Women’s Nations League fixture this yearCredit: Getty“Ultimately, I wanted to protect my team and let them know that if they need to speak out, they have a right to. READ MORE SUN STORIESIf there is a message to be sent, it is that we are human. “We are somebody’s partner and somebody’s daughter. We are not items. Nobody owns us. We own ourselves and that needs to be reminded and told.” More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      England’s Lauren Hemp ready for ‘tough and physical’ Euros qualifier challenge from the Republic of Ireland

      by

      LAUREN HEMP is relishing a physical test against the Republic of Ireland after England’s tough Euros qualifier draw against Sweden.And the Lioness, 23, wants the European champs to strike fear in their rivals as they chase the first win of their push to play in next year’s contest.Lauren Hemp wants England to seal their first win in the qualifiers for the 2025 Women’s Euros following their 1-1 draw against SwedenCredit: GettyThe Lionesses are currently third in group one of League A after sharing the spoils with Sweden in their first game in the contest’s qualifiersCredit: AlamyThe Republic of Ireland will be England next opponents. The team fell to a narrow 1-0 home loss to FranceCredit: SportsfileHemp came close to scoring in the dying stages of England’s Wembley duel with Sweden.Their qualifier opener ended 1-1 after Fridolina Rolfo levelled in the second half following Alessia Russo’s headed first-half goal.The result leaves Sarina Wiegman’s side third in their group before their Tuesday night clash with the Republic of Ireland. Only the top two teams from the four groups of League A of the Euros qualifiers are guaranteed automatic qualification for the tournament Teams that finish outside those positions will battle for the 2025’s remaining places via play-offs against national teams from Leagues C and B. Ahead of the game at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, 55-capped Hemp said: “We let it slip and we let Sweden score and it’s very annoying.“We had lots of chances that we couldn’t put away and could have been a bit tighter on the ball at times but it’s on to the next (match).“It’s going to be a very physical game (against the Republic of Ireland) but we’re all up for it.Most read in Football“We’ve all played in big games before and I’m excited to go there, I’ve not played there (at the Aviva) before.“It’s going to be a tough game, we know that, but we also know how good we are as a squad and we can take on anyone.”England’s score draw against Sweden included Arsenal’s Lotte Wubben-Moy making her first start under Wiegman in a Euros qualifier.And her club and country team-mate Leah Williamson, who skippered England to Euros glory two years ago, was named on the benchThe 13-capped centre-back, 25 said: “Sarina said, ‘Go out and enjoy it. You’ve earned it’.“That put a smile on my face because delayed gratification brings a lot of joy and I wouldn’t have wanted to get a start without it being justified.Of the 1-1 end to their duel with Sweden, Wubben-Moy added: “We’re quite disappointed in general because this is the first step in our qualification journey.“There’s a lot we can learn from this both personally but also collectively as a team.“We posed Sweden challenges and we’ve got to look at that and take the positives with that too.The Republic of Ireland whose stars include Arsenal’s Katie McCabe, fell to a narrow 1-0 loss to France.“The result leaves them bottom of what has been dubbed a group of death the qualifiers for a place in next year’s Euros in SwitzerlandAnd with England playing in the qualifiers for the first time as contest champions, Hemp hopes opponents will fear the threat posed by her team.The forward added: “We are European champions, and we want to keep that. Herve Renard’s France are currently top of group A1 in the Women’s Euros qualifiers following their win against the Republic of IrelandCredit: AFP”It’s important for us to win as many games as possible and get ourselves back in and amongst it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s good to have teams come up and be like, ‘Oh my God, we’ve got England’, that’s what we want to be.“We want to be a hard-working team, hard to beat. I think it’s great having that.” More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘People get frustrated when I’m injured. To hear that reaction when I came on was special’, says England ace Kirby

      by

      FRAN KIRBY says England fans’ reaction to her international return from a knee injury is a “special” moment she will not forget.The forward played for the Lionesses on Friday for the first time since last October and her recovery from a “frustrating” knee problem. 
      Fran Kirby’s England comeback coincided with a 1-0 win for Sarina Wiegman’s side against Belgium in the Women’s Nations LeagueCredit: Getty
      Ian Wright is among the pundits who have been eager to see Kirby back in action in an England shirtCredit: PA
      Kirby’s return was was warmly welcomed by her former England and Chelsea team-mate Karen CarneyCredit: Reuters
      Her entry in the 65th minute of England’s 1-0 defeat of Belgium was greeted enthusiastically by a crowd of more than 28,000 at the King Power.
      Many of whom roared whenever the Chelsea ace was within shooting distance during a lively Women’s Nations League encounter. 
      Kirby’s comeback was also hailed by Lioness pal Lucy Bronze, who describes the playmaker as “one of the best players in the world on her day.”
      The forward, whose side play Belgium again on Tuesday said: “The support I’ve had over the last year has been incredible from both sets of fans, national team and from Chelsea. 
      Read More Football Stories
      “I can’t fault anyone for their support for me. 
      “That’s been really pivotal for me coming back because I know people get frustrated when I’m injured and not able to be out there.
      “It’s frustrating for me, so to hear that reaction when I come on is really special and something I won’t forget. 
      “I’ve been working really hard and wanting to get back out there on the pitch as much as possible.”
      Most read in Football
      Kirby’s battle back to fitness follows the forward suffering a knee injury in February during the Blues’ 7-0 Conti Cup semis drubbing of West Ham. 
      It led to the 66-capped England star being sidelined for the rest of last season and missing this summer’s World Cup in Australia with the Lionesses beaten by Spain in the final in August. 
      And her return to the international stage followed her long-awaited Chelsea comeback in September.
      The playmaker made a second-half substitute apearance during the Blues dramatic 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
      Kirby added: “At the beginning of my injury it was quite tough because you don’t really know when the end of the injury will be. 
      “I accepted quite early on that I wasn’t going to be part of the World Cup squad, so, not that it made it any easier. 
      “But I was able to support the girls and kind of feel the same emotions that they were going through.
      “Being able to be back with them now just means that all the hard work paid off during the summer.”
      Kirby’s return has coincided with young England starlets Khiara Keating and Grace Clinton getting their first senior call-ups. 
      Man City keeper Keating has shone in goal for her club keeping four clean sheets in five league games whilst Man United midfielder Clinton has impressed on loan for Tottenham. 
      Kirby said: “I feel like I haven’t been away and obviously I know a lot of the girls from playing against them
      “Everyone that’s come in has brought a new fresh face and a new standard.
      “It’s been nice to be in training and get to know them a bit more personally. 
      “I don’t think I need to mould in at all, I’m probably one of the oldest players here now so I think I know what I’m doing.”
      Kirby’s comeback has coincided with England returning to winning ways in the Women’s Nations League after a surprise September loss to Holland. 
      And the team hope to rack up their goal tally against Belgium in the reverse fixture after netting once following seven shots on target. 
      Kirby said: “The most important thing is getting the three points in these types of games, it’s what we set out to do. 
      “Things have been quite similar at club (with Chelsea too).
      Kirby, skipper Millie Bright and their team-mates will face the Belgium away on Tuesday in the reverse Women’s Nations League fixtureCredit: Getty
      “We’ve been creating a lot of chances but not putting the ball in the back of the net
      Read More on The Sun
      “Yes, we want to score more goals, we want to make it more entertaining for everyone coming to watch.
      “But first and foremost (it’s about the) three points.” More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Lioness ace Keating happy to be ‘role model’ and aims to be first goalkeeper of colour to play for England Women

      by

      KHIARA KEATING is eyeing the chance to make history as the first goalkeeper of mixed race heritage to play for a Lionesses senior side. The England starlet hopes to inspire girls from minority ethnic communities dreaming of playing at football’s highest levels. 
      Khiara Keating has kept three clean sheets in four WSL games for Manchester City so far this seasonCredit: Getty
      Keating’s impressive Man City form led to her first senior England call-up ahead of the Lionesses’ matches against BelgiumCredit: Getty
      Keating, who has had a stunning start to this season, was speaking on Wednesday – seven days after getting her first senior international call-up from Sarina Wiegman.  
      The team are set to take on Belgium on Friday night at the King Power in the first game of a Women’s Nations League double header.
      The Manchester City starlet has kept three clean sheets in four WSL games this term
      Keating, said: “Coming from a background of colour, there’s not many of us, I think we’re starting to see a rise.
      Read More Football Stories
      “I’m just happy that I could be an inspiration to anyone out there that’s thinking, ‘maybe I will get judged or maybe it’s not for me’,
      “I feel like I’m just grateful to be in a position where I can be a role model to people.”
      Keating, who has emerged as a first XI regular for Man City this season, has the highest save percentage in the top-flight this term. 
      And the Manchester-born shot stopper, who made her senior club debut last January, says her call-up brought tears to her mothers eyes. 
      Most read in Football
      Keating added: “She was super proud when I FaceTimed her after I’d just got off the phone with Sarina. 
      “She was in denial and she was like, ‘Khiara, you’re lying, stop lying’. 
      “She (was joking) wasn’t being serious and then she obviously hit the emotional stage where she started crying. 
      Keating hopes her success for club and country will inspire girls from minority ethnic backgrounds hoping to get into footballCredit: Getty
      “She’s never going to admit it to anyone that she cried but she did. 
      “I think she is just extremely proud as are my brothers who have seen me on the sidelines at their games, to being called up to the (England) seniors.
      “They’re just so so proud.” More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Newcastle Women to turn professional in third tier after breaking crowd records at St James’ Park

      by

      NEWCASTLE WOMEN will become the first professional full-time outfit in the women’s game’s third tier next term. The move follows their promotion to the National League after being crowned Premier Division One North champions last season.
      Newcastle say Becky Langley’s players will receive “competitive salaries” from next seasonCredit: Getty
      The team are due to turn professional when they compete in third tier of the women’s game next termCredit: Getty
      According to the club their female players are due to receive “competitive salaries” and access to “professional treatment and injury prevention facilities”.
      It follows a season which saw them break attendance records at matches. 
      Head coach Becky Langley said: “This is a monumental moment for Newcastle United Women and the FA Women’s National League. 
      “We hope to be a leading light in the movement towards professionalism in the women’s game and inspire women and girls who dream of pursuing a career in football. 
      Read More Football Stories
      “We have worked incredibly hard to get here.”
      In April Newcastle set a new crowd record for a women’s fourth tier clash when they thrashed Bradford.
      A total of 24,092 fans filled the stands at St James’ Park with the players hammering their rivals 6-1. 
      Last May they broke the previous record for crowd turnout at a Magpies women’s game when 22,134 fans flocked to the stadium to watch them.
      Most read in Sport
      Back then the team beat Alnwick Town Ladies 4-0 at the home of their Premier League counterparts
      And club co-owner Amanda Staveley watching was among the spectators watching from the stands. 
      Before then their previous club record crowd number stood at 2,754.
      This was the total number that watched their 1-0 loss to Ipswich Town in the FA Cup last January.
      However next season the team will continue to play home fixtures at Kingston Park. 
      The 10,200-capacity ground is shared with rugby sides Newcastle Falcons and Newcastle Thunder.
      Newcastle broke their attendance record for a women’s club game played at St James’ Park last seasonCredit: Getty
      Dan Ashworth, Newcastle’s sporting director, added: “The success of Newcastle United Women is an integral part of our sporting objectives and we are delighted to support the team’s progress by building a professional model around them.
      “Becky and the players have shown incredible dedication.
      “Turning full-time will enable them to fully concentrate on their careers and the next chapter of Newcastle United Women as fully supported professionals.”  More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Newcastle’s Sharna Wilson says her FA Cup screamer left her lost for words after Magpies reach third round

      by

      SHARNA WILSON admits she was left stunned by the ‘worldy’ wonder goal she netted to help Newcastle keep their Women’s FA Cup hopes alive. The defender scored the winner as the Magpies fought from 1-0 down to seal a 2-1 second round in front of a crowd of 28,565 at St James’ Park.
      Newcastle United have booked their spot in the third of the Women’s FA Cup after dispatching in front of a record crowd at St James’ ParkCredit: Getty
      Sharna Wilkinson was on target with the second of Newcastle thumping finishesCredit: Getty
      Spectator numbers saw the club establish a new record for the largest attendance at a Women’s FA Cup game outside of the contest final. 
      And it also led the Magpies to set a new record for the biggest crowd to ever watch a women’s football game at St James’ Park. 
      Wilson, who was subbed on in the second half, told BBC Radio Newcastle: “Watching from the sidelines, it’s one of those ones that once an (opposing) team scores here the mood goes down.
      “But then you know that everyone in the crowd is just going to lift everyone back up, and especially in our dressing room. 
      “No one is going to give up and everyone has each other’s backs, especially people coming on.
      “And I think everyone of those players who didn’t come on (the pitch) have made an impact. 

      “I’m just really glad that I came on and we gave it that little bit of an extra push.
      “We’ve been in situations before when we have been like one-nil down, two-nil down and we’ve come back from it. 
      “The game is never lost until the final whistle goes so we just keep pushing and kind of showing character but that’s what’s instilled in us to do.”
      Emily Pierrepont opened the scoring with a thumping effort from just outside the 18-yard box in the 15th minute before Georgie Gibson levelled with her 30-yard strike in the 68th minute. 
      And Wilson sealed the win for her side with a spectacular effort from distance with the ball bouncing off the post into the net. 
      Of her stunning strike, Wilson added: “I took it (the shot) because I could see she (the goalkeeper) was off her line and it went in and so it paid off.
      Most read in FA Cup
      “A couple of my coaches were in the crowd, and one of them properly said just shoot and score a worldy and that was pretty good advice”.
      The victory saw Newcastle enter the pot for the contest’s third round fixtures.
      The draw will be conducted live on talkSPORT on Monday (28 November) at 7:00 pm.
      Georgia Gibson equalised for the hosts with her long range effort in the second spellCredit: Getty More