Newcastle United Women started their long journey to the south coast in sixth place, one point and one place behind their opponents.
Before transfer deadline day, the club announced the signing of American striker Simone Charley on a short-term deal until the end of the season, after he recently left NWSL side Orlando Pride. Simone made 14 appearances for the Pride during her time in Florida, having moved from Angel City FC in January 2024. She started her NWSL career in 2019 with Portland Thorns, where she scored eight goals in 45 games, and also had a brief stint with Canberra United in Australia.
“It feels great. I’m really excited to be here and get started.” She said when she joined the club.
“Simone is a proven striker who has played most of her professional career in one of the top leagues. She has the ability to create chances and score using her strength and speed, and she is a great threat in the air. We are excited to be working with her.” Manager Tanya Oxtoby (photo below, added.
Charley was unavailable for the match as she awaits international clearance, but Newcastle boasted five former Saints players in their line-up, including a return for Ashanti Akpan, who changed sides last month. Beth Lumsden was the first of the contingent to don a black and white shirt in January 2024. Freya Gregory was next. After scoring for Southampton at St James’ Park last season, she headed north last January, with Mollie Pike and Jemma Purfield joining her this summer.
Match report
A crowd of 3,935 braved heavy rain to watch Newcastle win a league double against Southampton after taking just two points from the Saints last season. They also recorded their first win of 2026.
The visitors took the lead after just 15 seconds, with Jordan Nobbs scoring the fastest goal of the WSL2 season. It was the midfielder’s third goal of the season and the second against the Saints. From kick-off, Oona Sevenius won a first-time header from Southampton goalkeeper Fran Stenson’s long kick, with the ball falling to Molly Pike. The former Saints midfielder, who scored twice in this match last season, released Nobbs, who pushed the ball past Stenson into the far corner with a low finish.
However, Southampton quickly responded and should have been back on level terms when Ellie Brazil advanced before playing into the feet of a free Atlanta Primus, whose shot was easily collected by Anna Tamminen from twelve yards.
Shortly afterwards, Mary Bashford slipped the ball away from Aoife Mannion, before taking a shot from 20 yards that forced Tamminen to push over the bar as the hunt for a quick equalizer continued.
Newcastle had to absorb a lot of pressure after that early breakthrough, but midway through half-time Freya Gregory looked to be through on goal, but her goal was denied by a strong save from Stenson.
Saints continued to push for an equalizer, with Bashford’s effort from the edge of the penalty area narrowly missing the post.
Towards the end of the first half, Nobbs doubled Newcastle’s lead. A neat ball inside from Gregory opened the space for Nobbs to run forward and play a clever one-two with Murphy, before taking a touch and curling a side-footed finish into the top corner.
After the break, Southampton’s Michaela McAlonie was given the opportunity to test Tamminen, which was handled calmly. Bashford, who was all over midfield for Saints, was back in front of goal but her first-time effort went wide after she connected with Jess Simpson’s cross.
Although Southampton created many attacking opportunities in the second half, they were only able to find a way past Newcastle’s tight defense in the final moments of the match; Ellie Brazil came closest when the ball fell to her in the penalty area, but she blasted her chance over the bar.
The Lasses continued to pose a threat on the counter-attack with the pace of Gregory, Murphy and substitute Beth Lumsden.
Southampton pushed more players forward as the match progressed and came close when Primus was picked out at the near post by Ellie Brazil, but a combination of Jemma Purfield and Tamminen denied her a goal.
But Southampton pulled one back after 88 minutes. As the Lady Mags were pushed back under a brutal home attack, substitute Tegan McGowan scored her first Saints goal, firing down the right wing and sliding the ball under Tamminen from a tight angle.
That goal gave Saints renewed confidence for the six minutes of stoppage time that followed, but you couldn’t find a second.
Newcastle United: Anna Tamminen, Charlotte Wardlaw, Aoife Mannion, Jemma Purfield, Kaitlyn Torpey, Lois Joel, Jordan Nobbs (Demi Stokes 87), Molly Pike (Ashanti Akpan 77), Oona Sevenius (Beth Lumsden 58), Emily Murphy, Freya Gregory.
Subs not used: Claudia Moan, Shania Hayles, Emilia Larsson.
Southampton: Fran Stenson, Jess Simpson, Amy Goddard, Tara Bourne, Megan Collett, Chloe Peplow, Mary Bashford, Aimee Palmer, Ellie Brazil, Atlanta Primus (Maria Edwards 86), Michaela McAlonie (Tegan McGowan 68).
Subs not used: Ella Pettit, Rachel Brown, Milly Mott, Ellie Hack, Isabel Watts, Esta Roberts, Ruby-Rae Tucker, Jessie Archibald.
Where is Newcastle United Women
Newcastle moved back above Southampton into fifth place, with Crystal Palace two points ahead of fourth.
They are now six points behind Birmingham City after drawing with Durham. The Blues occupy the last place for automatic promotion in second place.
Bristol City occupy third spot and the play-off spot with the bottom side of WSL 1. Despite being three points clear of Newcastle, they lost to Palace this weekend, with the Lasses having a game in hand at either end.
What’s coming
Newcastle return home to play the Saints’ local rivals Portsmouth on Sunday. Weather permitting.
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