Newcastle United 1-1 Ipswich Town | Match Report

Newcastle welcomed Ipswich to the Gateshead International Stadium this afternoon in a crucial WSL2 clash, with the Magpies aiming to consolidate their push for promotion, while the Tractor Girls fight to climb away from the bottom of the table. Tanya Oxtoby’s side were looking to build on their attacking strengths, having beaten Ipswich 4–1 in their last league meeting, under interim boss at the time, Claire Ditchburn.

Both sides went into the break level after an entertaining first half at Gateshead International Stadium. The hosts struck early when, on her 50th appearance, Beth Lumsden’s cross looped over goalkeeper Natalia Negri and nestled into the net after just eight minutes – a fortunate effort, but one Newcastle were more than happy to claim. The Magpies continued to press and came close again on 31 minutes when Murphy’s low drive inside the box was superbly kept out by Negri, who redeemed herself with a sharp save. Ipswich, however, grew into the game and found their equaliser just before half-time. Breaking on the counter in the 42nd minute, Sophie Peskett produced a dazzling piece of skill to leave Kaitlyn Torpey grounded before finishing clinically past Tamminen.

The Lasses dominated possession in the second half against but were left frustrated as the game ended 1–1 at Gateshead International Stadium. Despite introducing fresh legs from the bench, the Magpies struggled to break down Ipswich’s deep defensive block and lacked the cutting edge in the final third. Their best chance came in the 83rd minute when Demi Stokes danced into the box and cut the ball back to Jordan Nobbs, only for her effort to fly over the bar. Ipswich nearly stole the points in stoppage time as Rianna Dean broke through on goal, but Anna Tamminen produced a crucial save by spreading herself wide to deny the visitors. In the end, Newcastle were forced to settle for a draw, unable to find a winner against the league’s bottom side at home.

Starting XI: Tamminen, Wardlaw, Mannion, Purfield, Torpey (Stokes 62), Nobbs, Pike, McQuade (Joel 45), Lumsden (Larsson 74), Murphy (Hayles 62), Gregory (Sevenius 62).

Subs not used: Moan, Grec, Fox, Akpan.