As the run-in for the for the Barclays Women’s Championship heats up, Sunderland crossed the Tyne to face Newcastle as both sides looked to bounce back from defeats in their previous matches.
On 23 March, a record-breaking crowd of 38,502 were in attendance for the Tyne and Wear derby. A sea of black and white bellowed out the words to Blaydon Races as they eagerly awaited kick-off. The inconsistent form of either team was a distant memory when faced with the grandeur of the occasion.
The inconsistent form of either team was a distant memory when faced with the grandeur of the occasion
From kick-off, each team’s game-plan became clear. Newcastle focussed a lot of their attacks down their left flank, with left back Demi Stokes often overlapping winger Freya Gregory. Sunderland, by contrast, where content to sit deep and absorb the Newcastle pressure, keen to avoid the same outcome as the reverse fixture, where they were beaten 2-1 at the Stadium of Light.
The local rivalry added a physicality to the game, with referee Sophie Dennington disciplining players on both sides as they contested fifty-fifties with crunching tackles and, more often than not, cynical fouls.
Sunderland goalkeeper Demi Lambourne was kept busy, but not worked too hard
Sunderland goalkeeper Demi Lambourne was kept busy, but not worked too hard as Newcastle efforts ranged from tame knock-ons to wild shots that blazed over the crossbar. Sunderland's number 4, Amy Goddard, was also dominant in defence as she towered over Newcastle forward Emily Murphy.
Despite the numerous corners and occasional free-kicks, a tetchy first half saw a dominant Newcastle fail to capitalise on the dynamism of its left wing. Stokes, Gregory, and Jasmine McQuade all played well, but a solid defensive performance from the Black Cats meant that the score remained level at the break.
As the second half began, it was almost as if the two teams hadn’t departed the pitch. Despite Newcastle now attacking the Gallowgate end, the tactics and their outcomes remained the same: Newcastle attacked, Sunderland defended. And they defended well, no doubt emboldened by an emphatic away crowd who cheered every tackle and clearance like it was a last minute winner.
However, as the game passed the hour mark, Newcastle began to look a little lethargic. Sunderland were in the ascendancy as tiredness seeped into the home side. Would Newcastle come regret not taking advantage of their superiority?
Langley’s substitution turned out to be a stroke of genius
At the 68 minute mark, Newcastle manager Becky Langley knew something needed to change so Freya Gregory made way for Shania Hayles. Langley’s substitution turned out to be a stroke of genius as a fresh pair of attacking legs made all the difference for Newcastle.
Emily Murphy, who had been relatively ineffectual up until this point, dropped deeper to receive the ball. She charged up the pitch as Hayles did well to hold her run against Sunderland’s retreating backline. Eventually, Murphy played the ball through to her teammate who cut in from the right. A drop of the shoulder wrong-footed the Sunderland goalkeeper as Hayles slotted home the match-winning goal on the 77th minute.
Hayles slotted home the match-winning goal on the 77th minute
All of a sudden, Sunderland were chasing an equaliser. A lively final fifteen minutes saw Becky Langley sent off for allegedly delaying a restart. Sunderland subbed on attacking reinforcements but it was ultimately too little too late as Newcastle managed the game well to see out a 1-0 victory.
Cheers erupted as the referee blew the final whistle. Sunderland’s disappointment was contrasted by Newcastle’s jubilation as the players and coaching staff lapped St James’ Park, taking in the atmosphere of both an incredible game and an incredible afternoon.
The result saw Newcastle leapfrog Sunderland as they chase promotion to the Women's Super League.