"We need to win this trophy" - Rhiannon Gray focuses on silverware ahead of cup final

And midfielder Rhiannon Gray described the win as "massively important," outlining her delight at the team's ability to "create many clear-cut chances and defend resolutely to keep a clean sheet."

Having won the competition in 2018/19, and following the cancellation of the tournament last season due to Covid-19, the Lady Magpies have the chance to retain the trophy this year.

"We've had a lot of success over the years in this competition," Gray stated. "Every season, winning the County Cup is non-negotiable. We need to win this trophy. We want to send out a statement and build momentum for a title push next season."

The final has added importance for manager Becky Langley, whose side reached the final last year before the competition was cancelled. 

She said: "I'm excited to be competing for my first silverware as manager of Newcastle United Women. It would be great to finish the season on a high and enjoy every single second of a cup final."

But the weight of this fixture is something that the Lady Magpies thrive on, and Gray reiterated the concentration of the squad to achieve victory.

"We are very focused," she declared. "We must all remain on the same page and work extremely hard to be successful. We have to make sure we don't get complacent.

"Of course, we are really excited too and are looking forward to the final."

And Langley reiterated the group's determination and hunger to win silverware this season.

"Cup finals and those exciting moments that make the hair stand up on the back of your neck are the reason why I'm involved in football," the Lady Magpies manager said. "They are something that I crave and make the hard work worthwhile."

The brilliant win over Alnwick Town Ladies followed Newcastle United Women's impressive friendly victory over Nottingham Forest last month.

Other than the Bluefin Sport Insurance Women's Cup final, Newcastle United Women do not have any other competitive fixtures remaining this season. However, Gray outlined how the friendlies ensure that the squad are prepared for the cup fixtures, as well as future opposition.

"The win over Nottingham Forest was great for our confidence," she explained. "The friendlies allow us to experiment with different formations and tactics, allowing us to adapt effectively in games. Playing against teams from higher divisions gives us vital experience to be prepared for these tough fixtures in the future.

"The preparation for cup games and friendlies is the same. Professionalism is maintained every week, regardless of opposition. This means that everything, from the timings of the team bus to the warmups, is consistent."

The Lady Magpies are eager for success, and the preparation that Langley puts in place certainly puts the team in a strong position to win the trophy.

The squad see this tournament as an opportunity to finish the season on a high and send out a message to other teams ahead of next season, where they will once more push for promotion from the FA Women's National League Division One North.

Photograph courtesy of Colin Lock/@Tyneside_NUWFC