NUWFC vs Ashington Ladies - Post Match Update

Newcastle United Women's FC travelled to Ashington on Sunday to play a pre season freindly. 


Match Report - A mainly young Newcastle team took on there County league opponents in a pre season game at Ashington FC. The game started at a quick pace and for 15 mins the Magpies kept the ball well and created plenty of opportunities. They found an in form Ashington keeper and a determined defence. They defended well to keep out the Toon front 3 of  Nichole Havery, Danika Purdham and Shannon Etherington. They where constantly causing problems and it was Nichole Harvey on 15 mins who broke the deadlock. Four minutes later Laura Fenwick finished off some good approach play with a tidy finish from the edge of the box. Nichole Harvey added another on 22 minutes and the game continued to ebb and flow.

The Ashington forwards worked tirelessly to create chances, but were kept at bay by Newcastle and chances were few.  Steph Shaw then added the 4th, followed by a Sarah Wilson 30 yard rocket for the fifth. Newcastle were now enjoying the lions share of the possession but failing to create chances as Ashington continued to work hard to close them down and force mistakes. The next goal came in the 38 min as Nichole Harvey lost her marker and bared down 1 on 1 with the Ashington keeper. Despite being on her hatrick, she drew the keeper out and played in Danika Purdham, who took her goal well under pressure. The game was heading to half time when a long ball played in by Ashington was allowed to bounce. The Ashington forward was forced wide and turned inside. She looked up and then hit a perfect, curling shot from 30 yards leaving Jess Geoghegan stranded and buried it in the top corner, for what was the goal of the game. It was just rewards for Ashington workman like performance and an amazing finish.

The second half started with lots of changes. Emma Bentley, Jo Cartwright, Courtney Lock and Sam Etherington were introduced. Just 2 mins into the second half, Emma Bentley was played in and finished superbly to add another goal to the Newcastle tally.  Newcastle where now dominating proceedings and creating plenty of opportunities.  Emma added her second 5 mins later with another well taken goal. A change on 63 minutes brought Claire Pitt back on and her first touch was a well taken header at the back post after good work from Shannon Etherington and Sarah Wilson.  Ashington again rallied and showed great desire. They were unlucky to concede again when Emma Bentley completed her hatrick in the 70 min. Sam Etherington then added another 5 mins later. This stirred a response from Ashington, who then produced one of the moves of the game. They worked hard to win the ball in midfield. Switched it out on the left and the girl who scored run at the defence and let another 20 yard screamer go. This produced a great save from Jess Geoghan. Who calmly, at full stretch, tipped it round the post. There was still time for Claire Pitt to add another spectacular goal from 35 yards with a great individual effort.

The club would like to thank Ashington for there hospitality and being great hosts. We look forward to further improving the links with the clubs and wish them the best of luck for the fast approaching season.

It was good to see some young mascots being part of the day. 

Head Coach of NUWFC, Mark Brooksbank, commented at the end of the match that there were lots of positives with some cracking goals.  The game was played in a great spirit with lots of positives being taken for both teams.