Missen lauds 'important' Barnsley win

Rosie Missen, who made her first start since November in South Yorkshire following a grade two ankle sprain, described the triumph as "another step towards Newcastle winning the league."

She praised her teammates, highlighting determination as a key factor in their success. 

"Every game is important in this league and points are precious," Missen said. "The condition of the pitch meant we were unable to play the sort of football we know and love playing, but that didn't stop us from adapting to the conditions to get the win.

"Our team mentality has been excellent this season and that shows in our results. We are all on the same page and we are a positive and supportive team with a huge desire to win."

Strikes from Erin Nelson, Katie Barker and Georgia Gibson ensured the Lady Magpies took home three points, but it was the United Women goalkeeper, Grace Donnelly, who stood out on the afternoon.

Becky Langley's number one denied Barnsley on multiple occasions, most notably producing a vital penalty save at the end of the first half to preserve the Lady Magpies' lead going into the break.

"Grace is a key player in our team, not just on the pitch but off it too," Missen said. "We have total confidence in her abilities and often she is the one that will turn a game around for us.

"Being part of a back four with Grace behind you gives you absolute confidence that we can play our style of football."

The Barnsley win saw Missen return to Langley's starting XI for the first time since her injury and the defender expressed her delight at being back in the squad.

"It felt really good to be back on the pitch fully fit again," Missen said. "Being out for a number of months can hinder your confidence but getting 90 minutes in and a clean sheet helps build that back up."

The New Zealander also lauded the impact of the manager, applauding the way she has developed the mindset of her squad.

Missen said: "Becky is instrumental to the team's success, from training sessions to player development.

"The work starts on the training pitch and Becky consistently works with us on our ability to dig deep in difficult situations, as well as having an excellent philosophy and great tactical analysis. She is crucial to our success as a team."

Newcastle United Women face Bradford City Women away from home this Sunday and Missen reiterated the need for her team-mates to remain focused, after closing the gap on league leaders Liverpool Feds to two points.

She said: "We hope to take that confidence into the game against Bradford and get another three points.

"We don't focus on what Liverpool Feds are doing. All we can do is win every game we have in front of us, and that includes the game against Liverpool Feds at home. 

"At the end of the season we can look at the league table."