Page 29 - Womwn's Soccer Scene Issue No.13 2022-23

Newcastle United’s last outing before this week was one
of the most memorable in the clubs’s history. The
Magpies played Barnsley in the Second Round of the
Vitality Women’s FA Cup in front of an astonishing
attendance of 28,565 at St James’ Park, a record for a
match outside of a Final in the competition, and they
responded with a 2-1 victory over their FAWNL Division
One North rivals.
Georgia Gibson scored one of their goals during
that match and she reflected on the occasion with us at
Women’s Soccer Scene, as well as looking forward to
their Third Round tie at home to Wolverhampton
Wanderers this week:
WSS: A week past Sunday was a memorable day
for the club, first of all how tough a match was it against Barnsley?
GG: It was a tough game; we knew we would have to be close to our best to get a result
and into the next round. They are a good side, they were well organised and made it
difficult for us break them down. We had a game plan, and on a pitch the size of St James’
Park we needed to use it to our advantage. At half time, going in 1-0 down, we weren’t
too disappointed, we made sure the changing room was a positive environment, spoke
about what we had done well in the first half and how we could convert our chances into
goals. So, credit to Barnsley, they made us work really hard for it but thankfully we got
over the line with a 2-1 win.
WSS: Just what was it like, playing in front of more than 28,000 at St James
Park, knowing that nearly all of them were cheering you and your team on?
GG: It’s a surreal feeling, first of all being a Newcastle United fan getting to play at St
James’, but also walking out to 28,000 people, the noise they made, the atmosphere they
created, it was really special, and a moment none of us will forget. To see so many young
girls and boys having a great time at a women’s game was something we were all very
proud of as well, to be able to inspire so many young people is an amazing feeling.
Hearing people shout “Gibson” and realising they are actually talking to you took some
getting used to, but by the end we were used to it and took it all in to enjoy the moment.
WSS: How big a help was the crowd when you were a goal behind?
GG: With the experience of playing there in May we knew we couldn’t let the crowd affect
our start to the game either, we had to be concentrated from the off. All 28,565 were
fantastic, they kept us going for the full 90 minutes and really gave us that lift we needed
when our first goal went in! They believed in us, even going a goal down, the atmosphere
was electric for the full duration!
WSS: Tell us about your goal!
GG: My goal was probably the best goal I’ve ever scored! We had spoken as a collective
at half time about getting more shots off, the goalkeeper had a high starting point, and
someone needed to hit one and test her. We got a throw in on the far side, by the east
news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk