Have Newcastle United still got a chance of promotion to the Women’s Super League?
As things stand, the answer, mathematically, is yes. But they are not in control of their own destiny and will have to rely on others if they are to make one final promotion push.
Currently, the Lady Mags sit in fourth place in the table on 31 points from 18 games. That’s a point behind Crystal Palace who have the coveted 3rd place, which, if they hold on to it, would give them a playoff game against whichever team finishes bottom of the WSL.
The top two in the WSL2 look reasonably secure although both have dropped points recently, and with four games remaining there could yet be some twists and turns. Charlton Athletic as they have done all season long lead the way.
They have 41 points and two wins from their remaining games should see them crowned as Champions. Even then Birmingham who are six points behind Athletic really can’t afford to drop any more points. For two reasons.
Firstly, they cannot allow Charlton any leeway. The only way Birmingham can keep any pressure on Charlton is to win all their remaining matches. They also need to keep winning to ensure they stay ahead of the waiting to pounce hungry chasing pack.
Bristol City in fifth place still in the mix as well as they have 30 points with four games to go. It could mean a massive game ahead for NUFC Women when they go to City for the second last game of the season.
But I guess the old adage of taking it one game at a time has to be spun out. Wor Lasses could be dead and buried by then or they could be even closer to their dream. Who knows?
The last week or so has been a tough one for February’s Manager of the Month Tania Oxtoby and black and white charges. A 1-1 draw against Sheffield United thanks to an Emily Murphy equaliser at Bramall Lane was a disappointing performance and result.
The Lasses bounced back magnificently during the week to defeat Birmingham 2-0 at the Gateshead International Stadium last Wednesday, A superb performance with a ‘worldie’ of a 25-yard plus strike from Jordan Nobbs and an excellent lobbed finish from Beth Lumsden netting the goals.
It may well have been the nail in Birmingham’s chance to win the WSL2 and certainly it gave Oxtoby’s side superb momentum going into Sunday’s huge clash at The GIS against Crystal Palace on Sunday. Another win then would have put NUFC Women in a great position.
In the end it wasn’t to be. United battled hard all game and defensively against one of the best sides in the Division they were very good. But in the final third they just did not get going at all and failed to trouble Palace’s rearguard all night bar one Murphy effort in the second half that was close.
Indeed, they were indebted to Finnish International goalkeeper Anna Tamminen who showed just why she was given the #1 shirt this season. At least three crucial saves in the second half prevented Palace from taking all three points which they probably just about deserved.
A point gained or two dropped. It felt more like the latter with the way the game went as Palace were the better team for long stretches of the 90 minutes and certainly pushed hard for a winner that would have seen them consolidate that third place they currently have.
Newcastle not getting the win last weekend meant that their destiny is not in their own hands. They need Palace and Birmingham to drop points now and can’t afford to drop any themselves. That’s going to be difficult as there are certainly no easy games at all in this Division.
So, one game at a time has to be the watchword and with that in mind and regardless of League positions they do not come much bigger than United’s next one. This Sunday they go to The Stadium of Light to face the old enemy Sunderland in a huge Tyne-Wear Derby.
Thanks to a Shania Hayles strike earlier in the season at St, James Park, United travel looking for a League double over their derby rivals. Eddie Howe and the men please take note! Indeed, since arriving in the WSL2, United have won all three games against Sunderland so far.
More of the same is needed this Sunday for sure. It’s going to be tight. It’s going to be tense and its going to be tough. But if United are to keep the promotion light flickering it has to be a win.