Match Report: Newcastle United Women 1-1 Southampton Women

Newcastle United Women 1-1 Southampton Women

Deanna Cooper rescued a point for Newcastle United Women after a 99th minute leveller against Southampton Women inside a packed out St James’ Park.

The Saints took the lead in the seventh minute through Freya Gregory and what looked to be an impressive clean sheet was wiped out when Newcastle finally found an equaliser in the dying moments of the game. Defender Cooper poked home from close range to make it 1-1 after the visitors failed to clear their lines.

Newcastle went into the game coming off a disappointing 2-0 loss to Bristol City and looked to bounce back in front of over 10,000 fans at St James’ Park against a Southampton team who drew to Durham in their most recent outing.

The visitors scored in the seventh minute of the first half, with Gregory firing into an empty net after Newcastle goalkeeper Claudia Moan’s clearance fell nicely to the Southampton attacker.

However Newcastle bounced back quickly with a chance in the 27th minute by Katie Barker, who had a promising dribble and shot but was unsuccessful as goalkeeper Fran Stenson knocked it on the crossbar.

In the 30th minute, Newcastle defender Charlotte Potts was substituted off after sustaining an injury, and was replaced by Olivia Watts.

During the second half the Magpies continued their search for a leveller. Amber-Keegan Stobbs went close as her curling effort went past the post.

Newcastle had another chance for an equaliser, with Beth Lumsden striking the ball at goal, but her shot drifted just wide of the post.

In Newcastle’s last chance of the game, Lumsden’s corner which Southampton failed to clear eventually fell to Cooper who managed to poke the ball over Stenson and into the net.

Cooper’s late heroics saved Newcastle United Women’s undefeated record at St James’ Park.

The Magpies host Liverpool at Kingston Park on Sunday in their second outing in the Women’s League Cup.