Newcastle United women are set to make a sensational return to St James' Park when they host Barnsley in the second round proper of the FA Cup on Sunday.
Becky Langley's side played their first match at the stadium in May this year; a record 22,000 fans watching on as the Magpies beat fourth-tier Alnwick Town by four goals to nil. And the Lionesses' heroics at the summer's Euros has seen support for the women's team "skyrocket", with more than 25,000 tickets already sold for this weekend's clash.
Sunday also marks the first fixture at St James' Park since the women's team were brought under the ownership of the club. The move is a testament to Newcastle's commitment to growing the women's game, with co-owner Amanda Staveley heavily involved in the development of the women's side.
