Newcastle United Women 3-1 Sunderland Women | Match report

The stage was set at St James’ Park for a clash steeped in history and rivalry, as Newcastle United Women welcomed Sunderland Women in front of a passionate Tyneside crowd. Under the towering stands of one of English football’s most iconic arenas, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation, black-and-white scarves waving proudly as the Magpies looked to assert their dominance against their Wearside rivals. With both sides eager to claim bragging rights in this derby, the occasion promised not just football, but a fierce battle for pride, identity, and supremacy in the North East.

Newcastle United Women made the early running in front of a lively St James’ Park crowd, forcing Sunderland onto the back foot with sustained pressure. The Magpies carved out their first real opening on nine minutes when Jordan Nobbs’ corner was only half-cleared, dropping invitingly for Beth Lumsden on the edge of the area. Her strike looked dangerous, but Sunderland had bodies back on the line and managed to smother the effort away.

The hosts continued to probe and came close again just after the half-hour mark. Lumsden was at the heart of the move, threading a clever ball into the box for Shania Hayles, whose shot was blocked at close range. The rebound fell kindly to Molly Pike, but she could only fire over with her first-time attempt. Despite Newcastle’s dominance in possession and territory, Sunderland’s defensive resilience ensured the first half ended goalless, leaving the derby finely poised at the break.

The second half at St James’ Park delivered all the drama expected of a derby. Sunderland were handed a golden chance to take the lead on 52 minutes when the ball bounced up against Mannion’s hand and the referee pointed to the spot. But Anna Tamminen produced a huge moment, diving the right way to deny Eleanor Dale and keep the scores level.

That save proved pivotal as Newcastle seized control. Just after the hour mark, Beth Lumsden’s corner from the Leazes End caused chaos in the box, and Deanne Cooper bundled the ball home to put the Magpies ahead. Three minutes later, another Lumsden delivery from the right wasn’t dealt with, and Emily Murphy’s effort deflected into the net to double the advantage.

Sunderland responded quickly, pulling one back through Keira Barry on 68 minutes after Tamminen couldn’t clear a corner. But Newcastle restored their cushion with a superb counter-attack in the 78th minute: Oona Sevenius glided inside with a clever step-over before laying off Murphy, who coolly found the bottom corner for her second of the afternoon.

Tamminen capped her performance with another fine save from Neve Scarr late on, ensuring Newcastle closed out a 3-1 victory over their arch rivals. It was a statement win in front of the home crowd, built on resilience, set-piece strength, and a touch of attacking flair.

NUFC XI: Tamminen, Wardlaw, Mannion, Cooper, Stokes (c), Nobbs, Boddy (Kelly 45, McQuade 70), Pike (Murphy 58), Sevenius (Gregory 88), Hayles, Lumsden.

Subs not used: Moan, Cataldo, Purfield, Grec, Fox.

Femke Liefting, Lois Joel, Morgan Guatrat and Charlotte Potts all sidelined, however watched on from next to the bench.

Venue: St. James' Park

Attendance: 18,972