Newcastle set for 'El Lassico' after comfortable win at St James' Park

Newcastle United Women go into this Sunday's huge WSL2 derby clash at the Stadium of Light against Sunderland still top of the league and unbeaten after a comfortable 3-0 win last Sunday against lowly Burnley.

The emphatic victory came in front of 3,906 fans at St. James' Park as Wor Lasses warmed up for a game dubbed 'El Lassico' in fine style. They have now played seven, won six and drawn one so far in their league campaign, but this Sunday may well be their sternest test yet.

Certainly, it will be a much tougher challenge than Burnley were able to muster at St. James' Park last Sunday, with the game virtually dead and buried by the 17th minute as United, in top form, swept into a 2-0 lead.

Fast start gives United control

After going close a couple of times early on through Jordan Nobbs and top scorer Martha Thomas, it felt almost inevitable that The Lady Mags would score sooner rather than later, and in the 11th minute, that was exactly what happened.

Beth Lumsden was blocked as she tried to get to the byline, but the ball came to Lois Joel about 22 yards out in the inside-right position. She curled a beautiful ball towards the back post to find Kathleen McGovern, who timed her run to perfection.

The Scottish international striker got to the ball first in front of Burnley keeper Kirstie Levell and side-footed it home from three yards with her left foot, past the stranded keeper, to give Newcastle a flying start to the game.

One became two on 17 minutes when the WSL2's leading assist-maker, Lumsden, once again provided for United.

A run down the right wing by Lumsden saw her turn onto her left foot before delivering a dangerous cross into the Burnley six-yard box.

A mix-up between keeper Levell and ex-Magpie defender Deanna Cooper saw the centre-back turn the ball past her own keeper to double Wor Lasses' lead. After the two goals Cooper scored for United at St. James' Park during her time with the club, it was an unfortunate 'hat-trick' to record.

Toon dominate but Burnley dig in

Two up after only 17 minutes, it looked like United would go on to register a big win, and indeed, they had the chances to go further in front.

Nobbs was denied brilliantly by Levell with one chance from 14 yards, while Thomas put another good opportunity wide.

United battered at the Burnley door, but to their credit, whilst the Lancashire outfit were struggling to get out of their own half, they rallied defensively and managed to look solid, denying a rampant United any further chances.

The second half followed a similar pattern until, on 62 minutes, United did make it 3-0.

A quality ball from skipper Rachel McLauchlan over the top of the visiting defence saw Lumsden away again, this time sprinting into the box in the inside-right position.

Lumsden controlled well and then squared the ball across to find Thomas in the six-yard box. She took a great first touch before rifling in a right-footed effort to register a league-leading seventh goal of the season. The assist also gave Lumsden her fifth of the campaign.

Comfortable finish for Wor Lasses

Three goals to the good, manager Tanya Oxtoby decided to freshen things up with substitutions, and Freya Godfrey on the left looked particularly energetic, firing in a couple of left-footed volleys that were not too far off target.

But Burnley held firm in the last 30 or so minutes and did not concede again, although, as an attacking force, they were virtually non-existent.

Kayla Rendell in the United goal had as quiet an afternoon as any keeper could want.

Centre-backs Hannah Nemeth, the Hungarian international making her first league start for Newcastle, and Gemma Evans were really solid and dominant throughout, with Nobbs and Joel in midfield being industrious and bright all game.

United had 13 shots on goal during the game, with six on target, and the possession stats showed 60% against 40%. Burnley, meanwhile, only managed a single effort on goal, and that was not even on target.

A really solid afternoon's work for Newcastle, who maintained their promotion charge.

All Eyes on El Lassico

It was also a great way to prepare for El Lassico this coming Sunday, where they know they have a job on their hands.

Sunderland are in good form and have moved into second place, just one behind Newcastle after five wins, one draw and a single defeat in their seven league games so far.

An El Lassico is eagerly anticipated indeed. Let's hope the Lasses do what the Men have been unable to this weekend!