Nelson relishing new role

Erin Nelson, who joined Newcastle Women in December, notched in both matches and was thrilled to rediscover her goalscoring touch.

"I was really happy to get back on the scoresheet," said the former Durham Cestria winger. "It's always nice to score in front of our fans."

In recent weeks, Nelson has moved into a number ten role, first in the absence of Georgia Gibson, and then because of an injury to Lady Magpies' top scorer Katie Barker.

Despite being largely unfamiliar with this position, the 20-year-old feels that she is becoming more comfortable there with every match.

"You see a lot of the ball," Nelson said. "It takes a bit of getting used to what my role is, but hopefully I can keep pushing and create more chances for the front three."

She added: "Becky (Langley, manager) helps me understand tactically what I'm required to do, but it's not just her; the girls on the pitch help to push me on and understand this role as well."

Nelson was also quick to praise the way her team-mates have dealt with not having in-form striker Barker in the team.

She said: "I think KB brings a lot to our game when we play. She scores for fun, so I'd always want her playing there with me.

"But I think the girls have adapted well to her not being there and we scored five goals in two games. You can't ask for much else."

With the return of Gibson to Langley's side, there are now several attackers jostling for the attacking spots in the starting XI.

"It's good to have competition," said Nelson. "It makes us work hard to get in the squad and will only make us better, individually and as a team.

"It's a matter of working hard for each other and working hard for yourself. The environment is so competitive to be around, and it will only help us and improve us."

The Lady Magpies' win on Sunday saw them remain top of the FA Women's National League Division One North table, ahead of closest rivals Liverpool Feds, who come to Druid Park next month.

But Nelson maintained that she and her team-mates need to remain focused.

She said: "It's the job in front of us that needs to be done, so we take each game as they come. When (the match against Liverpool Feds) comes around we know it's an important game.

"But every game is important. Whoever we face in the league, they all count."

Photograph courtesy of Colin Lock/@Tyneside_NUWFC