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Watt: Squad depth can push us towards promotion
Written by Joseph Nelson
Newcastle United Women defender Liv Watt says that every member of Becky Langley's team is improving with each passing week, as the Magpies continue to strive to achieve promotion from the FA Women's National League (FAWNL) Northern Premier Division.
United defeated Wolves Women 3-0 on Sunday in front of more than 2,600 fans at Kingston Park, and go into this weekend's crucial clash at third-placed Burnley Women in buoyant mood.
"We have got loads of confidence going into this game," began Watt, previewing the trip to the North West.
"It is a top-of-the-table clash but we have beaten them once in the cup and it was a draw the last time we played them in the league - but I think we were unlucky not to win. We are looking forward to it and we are preparing well."
Newcastle Women are currently top of the league, four points above second-placed Nottingham Forest Women. Burnley, who sit eight points below them, have two games in hand.
"We want to win every game," added Watt. "We prepare to win, whether it is a top-of-the-table clash or in the cup.
"It's about preparing as well as we can and going into it high on confidence to keep that away form going too."
Watt has been a regular in Langley's backline this term, helping the Magpies to 11 league victories so far in 2023/24, with only one draw and one loss.
The defender, who missed the entirety of last season through injury, is relishing the professional set-up and believes both she and her team-mates are continuing to develop every single day.
"Becoming full-time and training every day and having new girls come in and improve the intensity of training, it was bound to help people improve," she explained.
"I feel sharper, my game has improved, tactically, technically and physically as well. You can see the big difference between last year and this year. Everyone is pushing on and improving every week."
She also believes the introduction of fresh faces into the Newcastle squad has raised the level as United look to gain promotion from the third tier at the first time of asking.
"Everyone who has come in has had an impact," she said. "It drives the intensity in training as well and makes everyone step their game up. It means it is more competitive and it improves us all.
"They have come in and made an impact immediately on the pitch. They have all made a statement and it improves the depth of the squad as well. It is really driving us on the push for promotion."
On Wednesday, it was announced that Langley's team would face Portsmouth Women at St. James' Park at the end of February, in the semi-final of the FAWNL Cup.
Watt, who played for the Magpies at the stadium in the Sela Cup in August, hopes the Magpies can catch the imagination of existing and future fans alike at the 'cathedral on the hill.'
"It's always an honour to play at St. James' Park," she said. "To play a team we have never played before and one that is doing really well in their league just adds to it. It will hopefully be very competitive and we want to get to the final and win the cup.
"Hopefully we can get a big crowd in and we can inspire more people to come and watch us every week."
SUPPORT NEWCASTLE WOMEN AT ST. JAMES' PARK
Newcastle United Women host Portsmouth Women at St. James' Park on Sunday, 25th February.
Kick-off is at 2pm and you can get your tickets via book.nufc.co.uk.
"We want to get to the final and win the cup. Hopefully we can get a big crowd in and we can inspire more people to come and watch us every week."