Regardless of the attendance on Sunday, Becky Langley and her Newcastle Women's team were always going to make history as they stepped out at St. James' Park for the first time. However, with over 20,000 passionate Geordies showing their support, the day will go down as a truly special one in the club's history. A number of young girls undoubtedly went home and told their parents they want to play for NUFC in the future.
Wor Flags put on another fantastic display in stands, little over 24 hours after their incredible pre-match showing against Liverpool. The women's team in particular were touched by the 'Howay The Lasses' sign in the Gallowgate before kick-off.
On the pitch, it was a clearcut win against an Alnwick Town side who battled until the end. Katie Barker, Brooke Cochrane, Georgia Gibson and Beth Guy each grabbed a goal as Langley's side agonisingly missed out on the FA Women's National League Division One North title.
Despite the heartbreak of missing out on promotion, the day was still a cause for huge celebration and shows just how united this football club is. More united than it has been in recent memory.
READ MORE: Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi's rousing words to Newcastle Women after historic game
Shearer tribute
As Newcastle No 9 Barker scored the opening goal of Sunday's game, she wheeled away towards the Leazes End showcasing her best Alan Shearer impression. "I had to do a Shearer celebration! It would rude not to, wouldn't it!" she said after the game.
"It's such an iconic celebration. It was just elation, a few tears were shed as well. Alan sent us a message of good luck today and said 'if anyone scores - I want to see the celebration' so I had to do for him."
Shearer was just one of many famous faces to offer support to the women's side before the historic clash, along with the likes of Ant and Dec and Eddie Howe. "Hello girls, just wanted to say all the best, make sure you enjoy your first ever game at St. James' Park, enjoy it as much as I did," Shearer said in a video message. "Make sure you win, have a great day, all the best."
Generous Geordies
The NUFC Fans' Foodbank were out in force yesterday for their first ever collection at a women's home game. After a successful Saturday raising over £3000, volunteers parked themselves outside St. James' Park once again hoping to raise more much-needed funds.
It was never in doubt that Newcastle supporters would show their class, raising a whopping £671 on Sunday alone. A huge total which goes to further show why this fanbase is so special. Tweeting after the game, the foodbank said: "Thanks to all our #GenerousGeordies who have donated and volunteered at both games this weekend."
Staveley shows her skills
Newcastle chiefs Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi have offered the women's team plenty of support in recent months and were both in the directors' box for Sunday's clash, posing for countless selfies with supporters. After the full-time whistle, the co-owners also popped down to the pitch to pay tribute to Langley and her players.
Staveley shared intimate chats with the Newcastle boss and shared words of wisdom after narrowly missing out on the title. The whole group got a photo in the middle of the pitch and the Toon chief even joined the squad for their dressing room photo.
Staveley also had a kickabout with her son Alexander on the pitch at full-time, cheekily nutmegging the seven-year-old. However, it wasn't long before groundsmen were ushering her and her high heels off the turf!
Cochrane calls it a day
Captain Brooke Cochrane had one aim for her final game as a Newcastle Women's player - to score at St. James' Park. So when the home side earned a first-half penalty, there was no way she was giving anyone else the chance to take it.
"I did say to the girls 'any penalties today - I'm taking them!' I didn't even realise it was a penalty at first but when I saw Beth get the ball I said 'not a chance, give me that ball'," she said at full-time.
Cochrane was gifted a signed shirt and was hugged to within an inch of her life as she said her farewells on the pitch at full-time. The skipper did half-heartedly joke that she was considering a retirement U-turn after the success of the Alnwick Town spectacle.
"Yes it does! [make her want to reconsider] But I know it's the right thing to do for me, I'm just proud of myself for getting here because three years ago I didn't think I'd play again.," she added. Staveley even tried to convince Cochrane to change her mind - but it doesn't look like the captain will be swayed.
