Signing for Newcastle Women this summer has been "a breath of fresh air" for Sunday's matchwinner Ellie Dobson, and the midfielder anticipates a bright future with the Lady Magpies.
Dobson came off the bench to score the only goal in Newcastle's 1-0 away win at Norton Ladies at the weekend, taking Becky Langley's side level at the summit of the FA Women's National League Division One North.
"It's always an amazing feeling to get on the scoresheet," Dobson said of her 69th-minute header. "It's even better that it was the decider."
Sunday was not the first time the midfielder has made a vital impact off the bench for the Lady Magpies either, as Dobson produced a brace on the opening day of the season away at Merseyrail Ladies after being introduced in the second half of that fixture.
Despite being the difference-maker, Ellie was quick to reiterate that the three points are more important than personal accolades.
"(The win was) so vital," she said. "We're taking each week as it comes and focussing on the challenge each week.
"Every week, it is so vital to get a positive result, as the league is so competitive, and the results are so mixed."
She added praise for the manner of Newcastle's victory. "It was a dig-deep kind of day," she said. "It wasn't pretty football, but we ground out a result and saw it out until the end.
"Our game management was great near the end, and a clean sheet is always a great bonus."
Reflecting on the start of her Newcastle Women career, Dobson said she's enjoying being part of Langley's team, and the midfielder is eager to see what the future holds.
"I'm loving my Newcastle journey so far," she said. "It's been such a positive, exciting experience and the girls have all been lovely and great too. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next.
"It's been a breath of fresh air after a bit of a rubbish season last year for me, and I'm loving football again."
Photograph courtesy of Colin Lock/@Tyneside_NUWFC