Soulsby: St. James' showcase was "incredible"

The Magpies blew Bradford City Women away 6-1 in front of more than 24,000 supporters on Sunday, with Soulsby having missed the previous two outings at the stadium after rupturing her left anterior cruciate ligament well over a year ago. 

But having returned to action in recent weeks, the winger was named in Becky Langley's starting XI at the weekend and following the game, she spoke to nufc.co.uk about a memorable day and Newcastle Women's targets for the rest of this season.

"It was amazing," she said. "I had goosebumps from the moment I woke up, and I've still got them now.

"It was incredible. I was looking out for all my family and it was just incredible."

The Magpies were 2-0 up after the first half, thanks to headers from Beth Guy and Charlotte Potts, and scored a further four in the second period, with Guy and Potts scoring another goal apiece and Georgia Gibson and Rachel Lee also on target.

That ruthlessness is something that Langley's side were aiming for, according to Soulsby, as Newcastle continue to chase down Durham Cestria at the summit of the FA Women's National League Division One North.

"I thought we played really well," Soulsby added. "We dominated the game and were very unlucky to concede the goal.

"I really wanted to score as well but I think we played well overall.

"It's going to come down to goal difference this season (if both sides win all their remaining games). We were told five goals minimum and we've done that.

"We were told at half-time not to stop. We need to be so ruthless if we want to win the league this season."

Finally, reflecting on her St. James' Park debut, Soulsby says she's proud of the journey she has been on to recover from her ACL injury and be on the pitch at the stadium she grew up dreaming of playing at.

"It made me work harder, and I knew the opportunity would come again," she said. "I knew that I had to start and wanted to play, and play as long as I could. I wanted it so bad and I'm so happy to have done that."