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Newcastle United Women hoping to carry their unbeaten form into the new season
Written by Joseph Nelson
Newcastle United Women emerged as 5-0 winners against Norton Ladies on Sunday, concluding an unbeaten pre-season in which the Lady Magpies scored 18 goals and conceded only three.
Becky Langley's squad travel to FC United of Manchester on Sunday, August 15th (kick-off 2pm BST) for their opening fixture of the season, and the Newcastle Women manager is hopeful that her squad can carry their brilliant form into the new season.
She said: "We've had a great pre-season and the excitement is building for the first game."
This summer has been one of change for Langley's group. With a steady stream of new signings, the 2021/22 squad will be bolstered with plenty of retained key players from last season.
And Newcastle United Women captain Brooke Cochrane feels that the new arrivals will make a difference this term and help the Lady Magpies kick on.
"The new additions have made a massive impact on the team, and we are going from strength to strength," said Cochrane. "I'm really proud of everyone involved and I'm really looking forward to building on the strong foundations that we have created."
Cochrane echoed the optimism of her manager, championing determination as the key reasons for Newcastle United Women's scintillating pre-season form.
She said: "Our pre-season has been very strong, and the girls have worked very hard both on and off the pitch to be in the best position possible for the start of the league campaign.
"Our overarching goal is to win the league. Yes, there is strong opposition in our league, and it isn't going to be easy, but we are focusing on what is in front of us each Sunday. Who wouldn't want to win the league?".
Sunday's opponents represent a new challenge for the Lady Magpies, as FC United of Manchester Women begin their inaugural season in the FA Women's National League. The hosts also enter the fixture against Langley's side on a high, having won 9-0 in their final pre-season match against Clapton CFC Women.
Despite this, Langley reiterated the need for her side to focus on their own game plan if they are to get their season off to the best possible start.
She said: "We will be working really hard to make sure that we are fully prepared for FC United of Manchester on Sunday."
"Our pre-season has been very strong, and the girls have worked very hard both on and off the pitch to be in the best position possible for the start of the league campaign."