Newcastle United Women Defeat Portsmouth 2-0

Newcastle United Women secured a 2-0 victory against Portsmouth in a noteworthy match on a rainy day at Gateshead International Stadium. This win propelled them to level on points with Bristol City Women in the race for third place in the league. Goals from Emily Murphy and Beth Lumsden marked a successful outing for Tanya Oxtoby’s squad, who exhibited strong defensive play throughout the match.

Match Overview

The match started with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. The opening 30 minutes were closely contested, with neither side managing to penetrate the opponent’s defenses effectively. Notably, Portsmouth had a golden opportunity early on when Lucy Shepherd failed to convert after a defensive error.

First Half Highlights

• Portsmouth captain Jasmine Bull’s cross hit the crossbar but didn’t lead to a goal.
• A moment of skill from Lois Joel changed the game, as she combined with Jordan Nobbs to assist Emily Murphy’s goal in the 45th minute.

This goal gave Newcastle a crucial lead heading into halftime, a moment that changed the momentum of the match.

Second Half Performance

Newcastle began the second half energetically, maintaining pressure on Portsmouth. Murphy was involved again, creating chances but unable to add to her tally. The Lasses continued to dominate possession and eventually found a second goal. Lumsden, who came off the bench, finished low past the Portsmouth goalkeeper to secure the win.

Player Contributions

• Emily Murphy: Scored the opening goal in first-half stoppage time.
• Beth Lumsden: Scored the second goal after coming on as a substitute.
• Lois Joel: Provided a key assist for the first goal, showcasing her playmaking abilities.

The performance saw Newcastle’s defense restrict Portsmouth to only two shots on target, a key factor in achieving their second clean sheet of the season. Oxtoby made just one change from the previous match, introducing Emilia Larsson for her full debut in front of near 2,000 fans.

Upcoming Matches

With this victory, Newcastle United Women will look to build on their performance as they continue to challenge for a top position in the league. The Lasses’ next fixture will be crucial for maintaining their momentum.