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Wallis enjoying life on Tyneside with table-topping Magpies
Written by Joseph Nelson
Summer arrival Emma Wallis says she is pleased to be playing regularly for Newcastle United Women after overcoming her injury concerns at the start of the season.
The defender, who can play at both left back and centre back, joined the club from Ipswich Town Women during pre-season but was ruled out for the start of the 2022/23 campaign.
Now, Wallis is being selected regularly at the heart of Becky Langley's defence and contributed heavily to Newcastle's 2-1 win away to York on Sunday.
"It's great to get another win," she said of the victory. "Every three points are so important in this league.
"It was a difficult game, and definitely wasn't the prettiest, but I think we managed it well and ensured we came away with the win."
Wallis produced a series of blocks and vital tackles as the Lady Magpies saw out the win after being 2-1 up after just 15 minutes.
"I take a lot of pride in defending and will do everything I can to limit the number of goals we concede," she said.
"There's nothing more satisfying than a big challenge or block to prevent the opposition a goal."
The defender also starred the week before, as Langley's side overcame Barnsley Women 1-0 in a crucial clash at Druid Park.
Having overcome her initial fitness woes, Wallis says she feels at home on Tyneside and in Langley's team.
"I have really enjoyed my time at Newcastle so far and everyone has been so welcoming which has made it really easy to settle in," she shared. "I think being at such a professional and exciting club is exactly what I needed after a really tough few years with inconsistent football due to injuries and illnesses."
She also outlined her ambitions for the season, after Newcastle moved to the top of the FA Women’s National League Division One North.
"We are pleased to be top of the table, but we have to take every game as they come and not get too distracted by the bigger goal," she said.
"We all know we are striving for promotion but are also aware it's a long season and very tight at the top of the table between a handful of teams.
"We are looking to build on the momentum we have created over the past few weeks. The FA Cup match (against Hull City) this weekend is also a brilliant opportunity for us to push for a successful cup run and something we are all looking forward to."
Photograph courtesy of Colin Lock/@Tyneside_NUWFC