Cclay

Uhm: 12 o'clock kick off for those not watching 'It's a Knockout'

Well. I watched it instead of the lads (just knew). Seems like a good decision given the moaning in the match thread. We won and, as said, can't now go down (which was one of the goals). The match was swings and roundabouts (as the score suggests). Lumsden's goals were good. There was the usual opposition passing around us and sidestepping / turning around tackles too often. Our winner was a bit of luck, coming in the last minute or so from a backward defensive header that dropped just in the right place. That said, still in with an outside chance, given we win the game in hand and someone else beats Birmingham (our beating them will only draw us level and they have a far superior goal difference). We've lost the fewest game in the division, but those draws have screwed us.

Today's match is on FA Player - https://faplayer.thefa.com That's a free sign-up, by the way. Kick off is early (1pm). Also On YouTube -

Away, so doesn't look like it. Nothing from the club. Just on match center on the official site.

Seems to be this player. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emily_Murphy_(footballer)?useskin=vector Spent the last few years in America and someone has made a bad edit to the Wikipedia page (as, apparently, we're a 'Atlantic Coast Conference side'), but everything else fits. Becky spoke about the lack of goals in her last interview, so not surprised it's a forward. Forward out, on loan, forward in. We'll see.

Lucky defection. So what.

3-2

They look much better than us at the minute, which is worrying as they are bottom of the league.

2-2

2-1. If not for Moan, it would be 2-2.

2-0, Hayles.

Portsmouth seem dangerous through midfield and the wings. Good job they can't shoot. We seem determined to give the opposition the ball, again. 1-0 is good but feel we need a second.

Ah, it's on the official site as well, I see.

'Watch Newcastle United Women v Portsmouth Women live on the Official Newcastle United App Newcastle United Women are back in league action at Kingston Park for the first time in 2025 on Sunday, when they take on Portsmouth Women.' App not official website, again.

Looks to be next year. We are still in it this year, but there is little / no scope for dropping points (as, at least, one of the other teams will not do so - in which case we don't get promoted - or do so very little, in which case there is a slim chance). We are left, essentially, having to take points off them and hope others do the same - otherwise it's next season. The additions will strengthen that, but unless the lack of goals is rectified, it will be just as much chance, again. Gregory has been playing as a winger. She scores some goals, but not many - though did so, when playing for Southampton, against us. She can also play in defence.

As I've indicated, previously, I've trained girls (not womens) football for years and the ability to score is, as you said, a rare trait (as it is in men's football). That becomes increasingly difficult as you go up the pyramid, and defenders get better / more organised. Until we solve this, I think we've hit our ceiling.

Seems like until we can get someone who can actually shoot and score against championship defenders and goalkeepers, that is how it's going to be. It's fine and good shooting on target in training videos, but many / most of our shots are not like that in real matches, where we, often, don't look like scoring, especially with our strikers. This problem predates this season, even though we were high-scoring against lesser opposition. Sheffield are below us, and we really should be beating them if we wish to be in the WSL.

Doesn't seem so. It's away, so it would depend on them. The club usually posts if it's live, including links to away clubs. Nothing this time.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_Wardlaw?useskin=vector

New signings confirmed (but not named) by Becky here -

Through (1-0). Tough match but, yeah, peach from Jasmine.