Barker buzzing to get off the mark against Lincoln

The number nine, who was the top goalscorer for Newcastle Women and in the FA Women's National League Division One North last season, fired home from Emma Wallis' cross to make it 8-1 in the second half at the LNER Stadium and ensure Becky Langley's side progressed to the first round of the FAWNL Cup.

And after ending her drought in front of goal, Barker revealed her aim to emulate the form she showed last term.

"I was really happy and relieved to finally get off the mark this season," she said. "It's been a long time coming and after last season I set high expectations. I'm hoping now I can just fire on.

"I would love to finish top goalscorer again this season, especially at the club and hopefully in the league as well.

"But I've made it tough for myself this season by not scoring in the first few, so it's definitely going to be a challenge."

The Lady Magpies swept aside their hosts on Saturday afternoon, bouncing back being held at home by Chorley Women in style by putting Lincoln to the sword in their own backyard.

"I think it was really important to get a bit of flow about us again and get confidence going into the hard spell of games that we've got coming up," said Barker. "It was good for the team to win the way that we did, but then for us as individuals as well it gives us a huge confidence boost."

The Newcastle Women striker was also quick to praise her team-mates and, in particular, Georgia Gibson and Lauren Robson, who each notched a hat-trick in the vital victory.

"They were both outstanding on the ball and off the ball," Barker said of the duo. "I'm really happy for both of them.

"(Georgia) was disappointed last week and she really made amends this week, so it just shows the character that she is."

Having the opportunity to play at the LNER Stadium, the home of Lincoln City's men's team, is something which Barker relished, and she expressed her gratitude for Geordie support who made the trip to the East Midlands to cheer on the Lady Magpies.

"Having these sort of opportunities is absolutely amazing," she said. "Newcastle fans had made the journey to support us and it's just lovely to know that we are making an impact in people's lives, and people want to watch us play and support us.

"It makes us proud."

Photograph courtesy of Colin Lock/@Tyneside_NUWFC