AFC Fylde Women 1 Newcastle United Women 4
Newcastle United Women came from behind to win 4-1 at AFC Fylde Women on Sunday, booking their place in the semi-finals of the FA Women's National League Cup.
Georgia Gibson and Tyler Dodds got a brace apiece as Becky Langley's side recovered from an early setback to cruise to victory at Kellamergh Park.
Looking to bounce back from last week's home league defeat to Nottingham Forest Women, the Magpies came flying out of the blocks.
Katie Barker was almost in behind after Gibson's forward ball, but Fylde were able to clear before the Newcastle number nine could get on the end of it.
Cara Milne-Redhead tried her luck from range, without testing goalkeeper Megan Hunter. The Fylde stopper was then called into action, making a smart save to deny Dodds after she was found in a dangerous area by Gibson.
For all of Newcastle's pressure, it was the hosts who struck first, with Sasha Rowe hammering home from the edge of the box.
Just two minutes later, United were level. Fylde failed to clear a Magpies corner and, with the goal gaping, Gibson reacted first to stab home from close range.
Hunter was once more forced into a save by Langley's team, with the Fylde keeper preventing Barker from giving Newcastle the advantage just before the half-hour mark.
She then thwarted Jasmine McQuade's flicked effort, before Dodds fired a shot wide and Naomi Bedeau had a chance cleared off the line from a corner.
On the interval, McQuade tried her luck again, but Hunter held the midfielder's attempt.
Within five minutes of the restart, Dodds gave the Magpies the lead, curling a superb shot from the right-side of the box into the top corner, giving Hunter no chance.
The Magpies were in the ascendency once more, and the Fylde keeper was forced to stop Bridget Galloway's fierce strike as Newcastle sought to double their advantage.
The hosts showed their teeth again, but Liv Watt did brilliantly to get back and make a challenge on Demi Devereux, just as she shaped to shoot.
And moments after Watt denied Fylde at one end, Dodds netted at the other end to put Langley's side firmly in control.
McQuade did superbly to dance past a challenge and feed the United winger, and the Newcastle number seven made no mistake to put her side 3-1 up.
Shortly after establishing a strong lead, Barker won the Magpies a penalty, which Gibson dispatched to put the result beyond any doubt.
Recent signing Lilie Woods replaced Hannah Reid after 77 minutes, making her debut between the sticks for Newcastle after arriving earlier in January.
In the latter stages, Langley's team continued to push, with Dodds being denied by Hunter before Barker found the side netting after a brilliant run through the hosts' defence.
Only four teams now remain in the FAWNL Cup, with the semi-final draw taking place on Monday, 29th January at 7pm GMT.
Newcastle United Women: Hannah Reid (Lilie Woods 77), Liv Watt (Daisy Burt 74), Charlotte Potts (c), Naomi Bedeau, Tyler Dodds, Hannah Greenwood, Cara Milne-Redhead (Sharna Wilkinson 65), Katie Barker, Jasmine McQuade, Georgia Gibson (Anna Soulsby 74), Bridget Galloway (Kacie Elson 65)
Subs not used: None
Report by Joseph Nelson