Bailes: There's no better occasion

Bailes, who signed for the Lady Magpies in the summer, says that since she arrived she's heard about Newcastle Women's previous fixture at St. James' Park - the 4-0 win over Alnwick Town Ladies last season - and is eager to make her mark at the home of United's men's team.

"I am so excited at the prospect of playing at St. James' Park," the lifelong Magpies supporter, who hails from Kent, told nufc.co.uk. "It was something that has been talked about since I signed in the summer and the fact it's a couple of days away is a bit surreal.

"For me and the girls, it is a moment that will be treasured and I'm excited to have my family come up and share the experience with me having not seen them in four months now."

Bailes has established herself as a valued member of Langley's squad this term, playing both in defence and midfield. Despite having only been at the club since August, she says she was made to feel part of the group immediately and wants to help the team in any way she can.

"I've settled in very well," she said. "From what I knew of the girls, the staff and the club as a whole, I didn't expect anything less.

"It's been an interesting start to the season and the league has become a lot less predictable than last year so the bond we've managed to build as a team has really helped to build the consistency over the recent games and wins.

"I enjoy playing anywhere the team needs me to, and in any position I'm surrounded by team-mates and coaching staff who are there to help me play well."

The Vitality Women's FA Cup provides an opportunity for Newcastle Women this season, with Langley's side reaching the fourth round last season.

Ahead of the upcoming clash with Barnsley, Bailes reiterated her belief that if the Lady Magpies stick to their philosophy and approach, they will continue to progress on all fronts this term.

"I think the performance and feeling of the win against Hull in the last round will help us try to continue to make memories again," she said. "There's not really a better occasion than Sunday to do so.

"We have to perform to the same level that the club has been willing to invest in us off the pitch. We have no excuse and no reason not to give our all in every game, in every competition, and make our fans want to keep coming back to watch us week in, week out.

"Fundamentally, our routine and the way we approach the game is the same as always. Regardless of preparations and the occasion, we will look to give everything and represent the values of the club on the pitch just as we would every other week.

"We're looking forward to seeing as many people there as possible to drive us on."

Tickets are still available for Sunday's tie with Barnsley Women at St. James' Park. They are currently priced at £3 for adults and £1 for concessions but will rise to £6 for adults and £2 for concessions on the day of the match. Book yours here.

Photograph courtesy of Colin Lock/@Tyneside_NUWFC