Records broken, Carabao Cup parade and Amanda Staveley message as Newcastle United put Sunderland to the sword
A record-breaking 38,502 supporters watched Newcastle United Women brushed Sunderland Women aside at St James’ Park.
On a day when Bob Moncur and Darren Eales paraded the Carabao Cup before kick-off, a jubilant atmosphere was expected. Shania Hayles weaponised the feel-good factor on Tyneside to become the hero and complete a Women’s Championship double over their bitter rivals.
Her left-footed effort after cutting in from the right flank was enough to put Sunderland to the sword and maintain Newcastle Women’s 100 per cent record at St James’ Park. In truth, the scoreline flattered the Black Cats, who managed just one shot on target all game.
The Magpies boast the bragging rights but the story of the day was the unprecedented crowd for women’s football. With 38,502 spectators, St James’ Park smashed the Championship attendance record of 15,387 which, ironically, came during October’s reverse fixture.
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All the hallmarks of a Tyne-Wear derby were on show, with meaty tackles and a stoppage-time red card for Toon boss Becky Langley. It was not just local pride on offer either as three points meant Newcastle leapfrogged Sunderland in the table.
And what about a special moment for those young fans who may not have seen those Wembley heroics last week? Much was made of the decision to showcase the trophy before the game but the decision quickly became justified.
Moncur - the last captain to lift silverware at Newcastle until Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier last week - took his place alongside Eales. In true Tyne-Wear derby fashion, jeers - drowned out by cheers - could be heard from the away end as the Carabao Cup was presented.
Arguably the most successful afternoon of women’s football yet for Newcastle gave the Saudi-backed regime plenty food for thought. The was a branch of the club previously neglected under Mike Ashley but is now thriving.
Just one team earning promotion to the Women’s Super League puts a dampener on Newcastle’s efforts but, backed by further investment, they will be putting up another fight next year. Plenty of records are yet to be broken for the Lasses in the coming years.
Amanda Staveley issued battle cry as Newcastle United dream inches towards reality
Amanda Staveley became the Lasses’ most fervent supporter following Newcastle’s takeover in October 2021. She made strides to restructure the women’s team under the club’s banner, rather than the Newcastle United Foundation.
Langley’s side soon became professional - the first third-tier team to do so - before earning Championship promotion last year. The long-term goal is to get Newcastle’s women’s team into the upper echelons of English football.
Staveley issued a battle cry to the players before today’s derby win. She wrote on Instagram: Huge good luck to Newcastle United Women for today’s match. I’m behind you as always #howaythelasses