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'Momentum is key' - Lloyd Miller buoyed by Newcastle Women's FA Cup progress
Written by Joseph Nelson
Newcastle United Women progressed to the third round of the Vitality Women's FA Cup after beating Salford City Lionesses 4-0 during a wintry weekend in the North West.
The squad and coaching staff worked diligently in the lead up to kick off, clearing a snow-covered pitch to ensure that Sunday's game went ahead. And from the moment the referee blew his whistle, the Lady Magpies swept their hosts aside.
Lloyd Miller, assistant manager of Newcastle United Women, expressed his delight at the result.
"It is huge for us to keep our momentum going," he said. "We have built a great culture both on and off the pitch, and it is great to keep it going."
Miller also explained how proud he was of the United Women's squad and the determination they showed to ensure the match went ahead.
"The mentality of the girls was focused both on and off the pitch," he said. "It helps us to create a good image for ourselves, of being determined to succeed - no matter the conditions."
On the pitch, Miller was impressed by the way the Lady Magpies weathered early pressure from their hosts and maintained yet another clean sheet.
He said: "We managed difficult moments and made sure that we didn't concede. In the second half, we took our opportunities to capitalise and were more clinical. We scored some very well-worked goals and clean sheets give us a great foundation to build from."
Whilst Miller voiced his satisfaction for the performance of entire squad, he reserved individual praise for Olivia Watt, Grace Donnelly and Georgia Gibson.
He said: "Grace made some pivotal saves, particularly in the first half, which kept us level. Liv (Watt) was so focused and dominated in her individual battles. And Georgia's work rate off the ball was superb, and she also has the quality to create chances throughout the game."
Newcastle United Women will face either Chorley Women or Bradford City Women in the third round of the cup, and Miller is hoping to progress further in the competition.
"Momentum is key," he declared. "Regardless of our opponent, we focus on one game at a time.
"The games between now and the third round are good building blocks for us. We would have loved to have a home draw, but we will be ready for it."
Photograph courtesy of Colin Lock/@Tyneside_NUWFC
"We managed difficult moments and made sure that we didn't concede. In the second half, we took our opportunities to capitalise and were more clinical. We scored some very well-worked goals and clean sheets give us a great foundation to build from."