Newcastle United chief watches on as 10/10 ‘super sub’ & ‘oozed class’ 9/10 shine v Sunderland Women
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Newcastle United v Sunderland: Newcastle United Women defeated Sunderland in the WSL 2.
A sensational super sub performance and three set-pieces were the tale of the day at St James’ Park as Newcastle United Women defeated Sunderland Women exactly four weeks before the men’s teams do battle at the Stadium of Light.
Both sides came into the game in mixed form in the WSL 2 with the Magpies being led by Claire Ditchburn on an interim basis following the departure of Becky Langley. And it was the hosts who enjoyed the better of the opening stages, dominating the ball without really testing Grace Moloney in the Black Cats net.
That was the story of much of the first period as the hosts dominated the ball but couldn’t fashion openings at goal. Shania Hayles, who netted in this fixture last season, came closest to opening the scoring but saw her effort blocked.
The tables turned in the second half though as Sunderland were awarded a penalty following a handball by Aoife Mannion. Phoebe Cross had no hesitation in pointing to the spot but Anna Tamminen, called into action for the first time all game, was equal to the effort from Eleanor Dale.
Mel Reay’s side slowly started to crank up the pressure on their hosts with the Magpies unable to get out of their own half. However, totally against the run of play, the hosts found themselves ahead with a scrappy goal befitting the general quality of the game at the time when Deanna Cooper bundled home a Jordan Nobbs corner to give her side the lead.
Emily Murphy could have made it two just moments later, but saw her effort saved well by Moloney. She made amends straight after, though, by powering home a volley from yet another corner to give her side breathing space.
Sunderland, frustrated at being unable to turn dominance into goals, then mastered their own set-piece routine as Keria Barry nodded past Tamminen to halve the deficit. If that goal gave Sunderland hope, then Murphy’s long range effort in the 78th minute extinguished any dreams of a St James’ Park turnaround.
Murphy twisted her marker inside and out before powering home an effort from outside the box to ensure, for a third time in a row, that the Magpies would have the bragging rights over their local rivals.
Newcastle United’s new sporting director, Ross Wilson, watched on from the St James’ Park stands. For the first time since turning professional, the Magpies are currently searching for a new head coach, one Wilson will have a direct involvement in.
Newcastle United Women v Sunderland Women player ratings
Anna Tamminen - 9
Had absolutely nothing to do in the first quarter of the game. Called into action for the first time on the half hour mark to collect a deep cross. Made a simply stunning save to deny Dale’s spot-kick.
Charlotte Wardlaw - 8
Made a brilliant sliding tackle to stop a promising break in the 15th minute. Tangled with Emily Scarr in the first instance of bad blood between the teams during the first-half. Did very well to prevent Katie Kitching’s through ball from splitting the defence as the first period came to a close.
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Aoife Mannion - 7
Was on hand to deny a very dangerous Sunderland attack in the 20th minute. Can’t have too many complaints for the penalty decision that went against her.
Deanna Cooper - 8
Had very little to do in the first half and dealt with anything and everything thrown her way whilst also playing some delicious cross field balls out to the wing. Won’t have known too much about the goal but did enough to evade her marker and nudge the ball into the net.
Demi Stokes - 6
Captained the side. Comfortable on the ball, but given a tough afternoon by Kitching in the second half and was booked for fouling her opposite number with 18 minutes left to play.
Elysia Boddy - 6
Controlled the tempo of the game. Replaced at half-time by Kelly.
Jordan Nobbs - 9
Saw an early long range effort sail harmlessly past the post. A driving run through the heart of the Sunderland midfield saw her dragged down by Nathasha Fenton who earned a yellow card for the foul. Oozed class in the middle of the park and put in a wonderful delivery for the Magpies’ opener.
Oona Sevenius - 6
Lacked a little in attack in the opening stages but won the ball well on a couple occasions to set her teammates on their way. Grew into the game as the first half wore on but had little impact on the second 45.
Molly Pike - 6
Blasted an effort over the bar from the edge of the box in the 32nd minute. Tried to get in some dangerous positions but struggled for service. Subbed in the 58th minute.
Beth Lumsden - 6
Caught a volley sweetly in the 9th minute but was unfortunate to see that effort deflected away. Looked very dangerous when given freedom to run at her marker. Faded in and out of the game.
Shania Hayles - 7
Was a physical presence in attack and used her size to bring her teammates into the game. Unlucky to see her close range effort blocked by some last-ditch defending. Easily Newcastle United’s standout player in the first half but was largely anonymous in the second period.
SUB: Emma Kelly - 5
Replaced Boddy at half-time. Subbed off in the 70th minute after being injured during Sunderland’s first goal.
SUB: Emily Murphy - 10
Came on for Pike just before the hour mark. Did very well to fashion an opening but squandered a good chance to double the lead just moments after Cooper’s opener. Took her chance brilliantly to double the lead after pouncing on a loose ball in the box. Looked threatening every time she picked up the ball. Scored a sensational second goal from long range to bag all three points for her side.
SUB: Jasmine McQuade - 6
Replaced Kelly in the 70th minute. Played a role during Newcastle’s most dominant period of the game.
SUB: Freya Gergory - N/A
Replaced Sevenius late on.
Unused Substitutes: Claudia Moan, Jemma Purfield, Malgorzata Grec, Jorja Fox, Lia Cataldo