Newcastle United Women lost 2-1 to Hashtag United at Luton’s Kenilworth Road to miss out on the FA Women’s National League Cup.
This would have been Newcastle’s first cup trophy since the takeover, and comes amidst heavy investment from the new ownership in the women’s team.
Head coach Becky Langley made three changes against fellow third-tier side Hashtag United, including recalling striker Bridget Galloway in place of Paige Bailey-Gayle.
A horrible own goal from Hashtag United left-back Malika Apindia opened the scoring, slicing a cross straight into her net after 17 minutes.
However, Hashtag struck back moments later, midfielder Macey Nicholls volleying home brilliantly from the edge of the box.
Though Newcastle remained in the ascendancy, Hashtag goalkeeper Frankie Angel was in excellent form, making big saves from Jasmine McQuade and Katie Barker.
That resilience was rewarded when Sammy Rowland created Hashtag’s lone second-half chance — getting to the byline, drawing goalkeeper Grace Donnelly, and squaring for Phoebe Williams to put the Essex side in front with 20 minutes remaining.
Though substitute Bailey-Gayle had a late chance to win it, and went down amidst penalty appeals, Hashtag held on to win their first trophy at this level.
Newcastle’s attention will…
