The Newcastle United Women’s team finally got 2026 going as they hosted WSL 1 side West Ham United in the Women’s FA Cup.
The winners of this tie would progress to the round of 16, while the chance to face top-level opposition would be a good test for Tanya Oxtoby’s side.
In the days leading up to the match, the club announced the signing of right back Kaitlyn Torpey. The Australian international joined from NWSL side Portland Thorns after making 20 appearances. Before that, she won an NWSL Challenge Cup with San Diego Wave.
Her move from her home country to America set a record for the highest transfer fee received by a club in the A-League Women. Torpey played 48 games for Melbourne City and was twice named in the PFA Team of the Season for her performances as a full-back. She spent the first years of her professional career with Brisbane Roar. The defender has made 21 appearances for the Matildas and was part of their squad for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Oxtoby described her compatriot as a player who is “fast and dynamic and likes to support attack and defense.”
With her international approval yet to be confirmed, this meant our latest addition had to watch from the sidelines.
Match report
Newcastle made a strong start to the match against West Ham, dominating possession during the opening 15 minutes and even creating the first chance of the match when Oona Sevenius came in from the right wing and forced a save from Hammers goalkeeper Kinga Szemik.
Shortly afterwards, a driving run from Charlotte Wardlaw created some space for her to hit a cross onto the head of Beth Lumsden, who was just inside the 18-yard box but still tested Szemik with her effort.
West Ham grew back into the game but found it difficult to break Newcastle’s back line. However, the only time they got behind the defense, Viviane Asseyi was brought down in the penalty area.
At first glance it looked as if Wardlaw had timed her challenge to perfection, especially as there was a lack of response from the West Ham players. However, replays confirmed that the United defender had gone nowhere near the ball and had instead taken her opponent’s leg. Referee Abby Dearden took her time before pointing to the spot but got it right and Asseyi sent her penalty just past Anna Tamminen’s brave grasp in the Newcastle goal.
Newcastle responded with a goal and immediately started the second half on the front foot as Beth Lumsden stormed down the left to save Jordan Nobbs, whose first attack was held by Szemik.
At the other end, Ffion Morgan’s cross from the right hit the top of the crossbar before Leila Wandeler got a go from distance, but her effort seeped into Tamminen’s palms.
But a slick move from the Hammers on the hour mark saw them take the further lead. Estelle Cascarino found Verena Hanshaw on the left, who played Asseyi in behind with a perfect pass. Although her cutback was wrongly hit by Wandeler, it fell to Riko Ueki, who fired into the top left corner with aplomb.
With twenty minutes to play, Newcastle substitute Emily Murphy almost reduced the deficit when she powered home Eva Nyström’s clearance. She hit the post before Szemik cleared the ball off the line.
Within seconds, the away team stormed onto the pitch at half-time. Cascarino passed long to Wandeler, who jostled well to find Asseyi, and the France international passed the ball to Sarah Brasero, who provided the composed finish, firing past Tamminen.
The Lasses continued to get close late in the game. A Szemik clearance rebounded off Murphy and flew narrowly past the post. But West Ham saw past the cup tie to secure their first win under Rita Guarino and claim a place in the fifth round.
Newcastle United: Anna Tamine, Charlotte War, Demi Stokes (c) (c) (c) (Grey Gregy 76), Jordan Nobbs, Saints, Hania Purfield, Hayles, Hayles Ammily 63), Moller Pike, the Oon Severer, Oon Severer, Lois Joel (Boel’s Purchy Purch.
Subs not used: Claudia Moan, Jasmine McQuade, Amelia Freeman.
West Ham United: Kinga Szemik (c), Yu Endo, Eva Nyström, Estelle Cascarino (Ines Belloumou 84), Ffion Morgan, Oona Siren, Sarah Brasero, Verena Hanshaw, Leila Wandeler (Seraina Piubel 72 minutes), Riko Ueki (Halle Houssein 75), Viviane Asseyi.
Subs not used: Megan Walsh (GK), Katie O’Hanlon (GK), Ria Bose, Emily Taylor-Brown, Selin Cemal.
Where that leaves NUFC
Newcastle’s interest in both cup competitions is over for another year. This allows them to focus solely on trying to get promoted. They are currently in fourth place, three points away from an automatic promotion spot (top two).
What’s coming
Newcastle United’s women’s team return to competition next weekend when they travel to South London to take on league leaders Charlton Athletic. Both sides met in Gateshead earlier in the season, with the match going the way of the Addicks after an avoidable penalty was given away late in the second half. United will want to rectify that result in the Valley.
The girls are at home the following weekend when they host Ipswich Town at the Gateshead International Stadium.
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