Gibson 'proud' to play in Newcastle United Women's inaugural St. James' Park fixture

The Lady Magpies will play at the famous stadium for the first time in their history on Sunday (kick-off 2pm BST), with Becky Langley's side still in the FA Women's National League Division One North title race with two matches left to play.

And Gibson said: "It is something that a lot of us have wanted, but it was always an 'if only'. It's almost like shock and surprise. The fact it is happening shows what the new owners have in mind for this team.

"There are some nerves, but overall, I'm just really excited."

A record 2,754 crowd turned out to support the Lady Magpies in their Vitality Women's FA Cup fourth round against Ipswich Town Ladies at Kingston Park back in February.

Gibson is hoping for an even greater turnout for Newcastle Women's first ever match at 'the cathedral on the hill.'

"If we can match Kingston Park that would be fantastic," she said. "Everyone will have their friends and family there which will make it extra special.

"The fans are the twelfth player for us so whatever the attendance is, their support will be great."

The midfielder has been in great goalscoring form this term with 21 so far, and admitted that it would be a "dream" to net at St. James' Park on 1st May.

She said: "That would top it off. It would be really special; as a Newcastle fan, it's what you dream of. If I score then it's fantastic, but I just want to help the team win."

Langley's side go into the game second in the table, but with a game in hand over leaders Liverpool Feds, and Gibson reiterated that the Lady Magpies will remain focused on achieving a positive result, despite the occasion.

"We take one game at a time," she stated. "There is of course going to be added pressure, but we need to make sure we have a good week of training, and everybody knows their roles.

"Nothing changes, and we just need to make sure that everybody is on the same page."

Women's football is in the midst of a significant shift, with Manchester United Women playing a Women's Super League fixture at Old Trafford in front of a record crowd of more than 20,000 supporters in March.

Gibson is aware of this progression and is hoping more clubs can emulate these steps to improve the visibility of women's football.

She said: "A lot of women's teams are playing in their men's grounds now. It is fantastic and it is only growing the game.

"Prior to the new owners coming in, not many people knew we even had a women's team, so as a club we are definitely moving in the right direction and stepping forward.

"We are showing (young girls) that there is an opportunity and somewhere to go with football. Growing up, you played for a boys' team and there was no real place to go after girl's teams.

"Now they can go to academies and get somewhere with their football. It is growing and hopefully, it will continue to grow."

When the Lady Magpies step out at St. James', it will be the first time Newcastle Women have done so since they were founded in 1989 and Gibson shared her gratitude for having the opportunity to become part of the club's heritage.

"I feel proud," she said. "Most of us (players) are fans, so to be able to wear that shirt and play on St. James' Park is one thing, but to be a part of the history is surreal.

"There are going to be a lot of emotions, but it will be the proudest moment of my career so far. It is exciting and I can't wait."

Cash turnstiles will be in operation in the East Stand on Sunday, with entry just £3 for adults and free for juniors. All supporters under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Further turnstiles will be open in the Gallowgate End and Leazes End subject to demand.

Photograph courtesy of Colin Lock/@Tyneside_NUWFC