Blakelaw SFC Ladies 1 Newcastle United Women 6
Newcastle United Women marched into the semi-finals of the Bluefin Sport County Cup with a convincing victory over Blakelaw SFC Ladies on Sunday.
The Lady Magpies were made to work for their win, with a late glut of goals giving the scoreline a lopsided look, but Becky Langley's side dominated throughout at Druid Park.
However, the game was marred by injuries to goalkeeper Grace Donnelly and skipper Brooke Cochrane, who were both carried off with knee injuries.
Having created a handful of chances already, United took the lead in the 33rd minute through leading scorer Beth Gardener, who grabbed her third goal in four games with a close-range finish from Megan McKenzie's cross.
Early in the second half, Donnelly preserved Newcastle's advantage with a fine save to push the ball onto the bar, but was hurt in the process, with outfield player Brianna Westrup taking over in goal.
Then around the hour mark, captain Cochrane was hurt and five minutes later, insult was added to injury when Blakelaw equalised from the penalty spot to make it 1-1.
More Newcastle chances followed, with Beth Guy hitting a post, before their pressure finally told in the 87th minute. Rebecca Olley crossed and Rhiannon Gray fired home her second goal of the campaign.
It was three in the 90th minute, with Steph Ord forcing home following Imogen Longcake's dangerous delivery, and United went nap in the time added on for the two injuries.
Defender Ellen Packham made it four with her first of the season - a 20-yard piledriver - before Olley got in on the act to make it five, and Jess Foster rounded off the scoring in the ninth minute of stoppage time with a great finish.
With their passage to the semi-finals of the Bluefin Sport County Cup now secure, Newcastle United Women turn their attentions to the FAWNL Plate next weekend, when they take on a Bolton Wanderers Ladies side they have already beaten twice this season.
Newcastle United Women: Grace Donnelly, Brooke Cochrane (Imogen Longcake 64), Courtney Lock, Jane Harland (Ellen Packham 46), Emily Tait, Beth Guy, Rhiannon Gray, Rebecca Olley, Megan McKenzie (Steph Ord 46), Jess Foster, Beth Gardener
Photograph courtesy of Colin Lock/@Tyneside_NUWFC