Match report | Newcastle United 1-0 Southampton

Under the floodlights, Newcastle United welcomed Southampton in a WSL 2 clash that carried extra significance, as Tanya Oxtoby took her place on the touchline for the very first time as head coach. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, with the home crowd eager to see how the Magpies respond to new leadership, while Southampton arrive determined to spoil the occasion. It’s a meeting of ambition and fresh beginnings, played out on a stage that feels bigger than just three points.

@nufc

Newcastle United made a lively start under the lights, and it was the birthday girl Jordan Nobbs who provided the breakthrough. In the 14th minute, Wardlaw’s pinpoint delivery from the right was met by Nobbs, whose header looped over Stenson and into the net — her first goal in black and white, greeted by a roar from the home crowd.

The Magpies continued to press with energy, looking to build on their advantage. Just after the half-hour mark, Lumsden showed her tenacity by winning the ball back high up the pitch before driving into the box. She laid it off neatly for Pike, but the forward’s effort at the near post skewed wide, letting Southampton off the hook. At the interval, Newcastle held a deserved lead, with Nobbs’ landmark strike the difference in a half that showcased both their attacking intent and Oxtoby’s early influence on the side.

@nufc

Southampton came out fighting after the break and almost found an equaliser in the 49th minute, when Tara Bourne’s free-kick from the edge of the area dipped just wide of the post. The visitors continued to threaten, and on 61 minutes Amy Goddard’s booming clearance from halfway nearly caught out the Newcastle defence, before Ellie Brazil blasted over moments later as the pressure mounted.

The Magpies were forced to dig deep, with Southampton pushing hard in search of a leveller. In stoppage time, Emily Murphy cut in from the left and drove a low shot across goal, but it drifted wide to the relief of the home crowd.

Newcastle held firm to secure a vital victory — their first at the International Stadium — The Lasses now sit in fourth place and just three points off second, keeping the dream of automatic promotion alive under Tanya Oxtoby’s new reign.

Starting XI: Tamminen, Wardlaw, Mannion, Cooper, Stokes, Nobbs, Joel (McQuade 61), Pike (Grec 84), Sevenius, Hayles (Murphy 70), Lumsden.

Subs not used: Moan (GK), Purfield, Gregory, Freeman.

Venue: Gateshead International stadium

Attendance: 1,029