Newcastle United Women kept their title dream alive with a convincing 6-1 win over Bradford Women in front of a bumper St James' Park crowd. The Lady Magpies remain six points behind Durham Cestria, who also won on Sunday, at the top of the FA Women's National League Division One North table but kept the pressure on with two games in hand.
Becky Langley's side were back at the home of the men's side for the third time as a whopping 24,092 attended the fourth-tier showdown, providing another reminder there is a real appetite for the women's football in the north east. Newcastle United co-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi were also in attendance on Tyneside.
The game was a routine win for the home side who wasted no time putting the pressure on Bradford City from the very first whistle. The deadlock was broken in the 21st minute as Beth Guy headed home after the visitors failed to clear their lines from a corner.
READ MORE: Unai Emery's subtle nod to Newcastle owners before Aston Villa game that went under the radar
Another fine cross caused problems moments later as Charlotte Potts got on the end of a good ball into the area to double Newcastle's lead after half an hour. Langley's side were out of sight shortly after the interval as Georgia Gibson pounced on her own rebound to make it three, before Rachel Lee made no mistake from the penalty spot for a fourth.
Guy grabbed her second headed goal of the game to make it five before Bradford pulled one back through Charlie Ramsden after she looped the ball over Grace Donnelly in the Newcastle goal. Potts added her second late on to make it 6-1.
Speaking before the game, Toon boss Langley admitted she was hopeful of beating the 28,585 St James' Park attendance achieved against Barnsley Women last season. That wasn't to be the case but attracting over 24,000 spectators for a fourth division clash is still some feat.
Newcastle have three games remaining this season, taking on Leeds Ladies, Bradford Women and Barnsley Women away from home. The title-chasing outfit have two games in hand over league leaders Durham Cestria with promotion expected to go right to the wire.
Only one team can be promoted from the division and the league will be decided on goal difference should both title-chasing sides win all their remaining games. Langley and her side missed out on promotion last season as Liverpool Feds held on.
READ NEXT
- Eddie Howe sends shirt warning to Newcastle players and he may be about to get ruthless vs Spurs
Gabby Agonlahor taunts Newcastle after Aston Villa defeat and questions Champions League credentials
-
Sean Longstaff's absence explained as Eddie Howe also offers Allan Saint-Maximin update
Newcastle notes: Major unexpected lifeline, cheers on the motorway and Eddie Howe's cool response
Eddie Howe makes no excuses after Newcastle United's 'worst' display of the season
