Perfect start as Newcastle United Women make it two out of two
It’s two wins from two and two clean sheets for Wor Lasses as they took an excellent 1 – 0 away win at Bristol City on Saturday night, maintaining their perfect start to the WSL 2 season.
It wasn’t pretty and there weren’t many chances at either end, but Tanya Oxtoby and her players will not mind that. A controlled solid professional performance was the order of the day and nicking all three points when not at your best is always a good sign.
Having controlled proceedings against Wolves in a comfortable opening-day victory, Newcastle headed into the clash with Bristol City looking to continue their impressive start. Saturday’s fixture proved to be a much evener affair with both sides sharing 50% possession and registering a similar number of shots.
Bristol City 0-1 Newcastle
Newcastle threatened throughout the game on the right side with Beth Lumsden nearly opening the scoring in the first half, but for a good save by Lauren Brzykcy. The winger caused Bristol problems all game.
Her combination with her skipper and right back Rachel McLaughlan was The Lasses main source for chances as between them they combined well in attack and kept the home side on their toes throughout the contest.
However, it was the left side that created the game’s only goal with Mollie Lambert making a good run down the flank before finding Martha Thomas inside. Thomas playing the ball up to Katie Bradly on the edge of the box before receiving it back neatly.
From 20-yards out Thomas’ right-foot strike cannoned of the left-hand post straight into the path of Kathleen McGovern, who like all good strikers was in the right place at the right time to latch on to the rebound and finish calmly from just outside the six-yard box.
United survived a late scare when a short City free kick routine found Gemma Lawley inside the penalty area but her composed finish was cancelled out by the assistant’s flag as the defender had wandered offside, allowing Newcastle to keep their second clean sheet of the season.
Oxtoby delighted with away win
Newcastle head coach Tanya Oxtoby expressed her delight with her side’s performance, highlighting the work put in since the beginning of pre-season. “I’m pleased for the players, they’ve put in so much hard work since the start of pre-season and they’re starting to reap the rewards.”
“This was an excellent win against a very tough opponent and one that will not lose a lot of games at home this season and are always difficult to play against.”
Next up for Newcastle is Sheffield United at Gateshead International Stadium this coming Sunday with a 2:00pm kick-off. Sheffield having lost both of their opening fixtures.
It means that Wor Lasses have an excellent chance of a third consecutive win that would see their challenge at the top of the table maintained. But they must not take the game for granted nor show any complacency. They have to go out hard and earn a win if they can.
