Newcastle United Women manager Becky Langley believes results like Sunday's 2-0 win over Stockport County Ladies could prove vital come the end of the season.
Following the full time whistle in the FA Women's National League Division One North fixture, in which Newcastle were cheered on by more than 1,500 supporters, Langley expressed her pleasure at the way her side kept knocking at the door despite the visitors' stern defensive display.
"Last season, a game like today could have been one of those games where we couldn't find the net and it would end up being a 0-0 draw," she told nufc.co.uk.
"We drew with Chorley in our first home game last season, so it's really important we get these wins early. I think it's really important that we got our first clean sheet as well."
The fixture was won for the Lady Magpies in the second half, with goals from Lauren Robson and Georgia Gibson proving the difference. The efforts capped off a scintillating second period for Langley's side, and the boss revealed what she said to her side at the break when the scores were still level.
"I was really frustrated at half time, and I gave the team a good talking to," Langley explained. "I just said to them, 'look, we need to start picking this up. It's nowhere near good enough and it needs to be more intense.' I think we reacted well in the second half and I think some of the substitutes really helped too."
Langley was pleased for both Robson and Gibson, who she believes showed great quality to get on the scoresheet.
"I'm absolutely delighted (for them)," she said. "I thought Lauren's finish was absolutely fantastic. It was a tough angle, and it was a great finish into the top corner.
"With Georgia, having just missed a chance, it was great to see her react to finish the next chance by heading it home."
The boss also showed her appreciation for the supporters who were present at Kingston Park to watch the victory at the same time that Eddie Howe's men were in action at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.
She said: "I'm really happy with (the number) considering all factors. We expected the crowd to be lower (than our previous Kingston Park attendance), but it is still amazing to have more than 1,000 fans coming to support our women's team. It's brilliant."
United's women are back at Kingston Park next Sunday, when they entertain Hull City Ladies (kick-off 2pm BST). Tickets for the game will be available on the gate, priced at £3 for adults and £1 juniors and concessions.
Newcastle United Women season tickets, including all home league and cup games, are priced at £30 for adults and £15 for juniors and concessions, and are available to buy here.
Photograph courtesy of Colin Lock/@Tyneside_NUWFC