'Preparation is key' - Donnelly looks ahead to Blyth fixture after emphatic win over Chester le Street Town Ladies

A first-half hat-trick from Georgia Gibson was capped off by a late goal from Becky Ferguson, as Becky Langley's side won their second fixture of three that they have this week.

Grace Donnelly, an ever-present between the posts for the Lady Magpies this season, had missed out on the derby fixture last season due to injury.

She said: "It is always a big game as a local rivalry, and personally for me this game was huge because last time we played them away, I was injured. I was really excited to be back in the game, and for us to put a stamp on the fixture so early was incredibly important."

Donnelly reflected on the match, stating that whilst the result was positive, she was "disappointed to concede."

Despite her frustrations, the goalkeeper praised the way her teammates have overcame "challenges from many different factors" this season and added: "Credit is due to those who have stepped up and delivered quality performances."

Donnelly also lauded the depth of talent within the Newcastle United Women squad. "We have had a complete reset this season," she said. "We have brought in some quality young players who are pushing to be in the starting XI every week. It makes training and matches competitive."

One player who stood out on Wednesday evening was Gibson, whose quickfire treble put Langley's ladies firmly in the driving seat.

"This is the year where we are clinical," said Donnelly. "This year things have clicked going forward and we have scored a lot of goals. KB (Katie Barker) is in top form, Georgia is scoring and the attackers are all pushing each other on."

Newcastle United Women face Blyth Town Ladies on Sunday in the Bluefin Sport Insurance Women's Cup and are looking to retain the trophy that they won last season.

"Last year it was the biggest thing we achieved, so we want to retain it," said Donnelly. "We need to remain professional as we never know what may happen. Preparation is key."

This Sunday's match comes at the end of a busy three-fixture week for Newcastle Women, in which they also defeated Harrogate Town Ladies in the Vitality Women's FA Cup first round last Sunday.

However, Donnelly explained the positive impact a busy schedule can have on momentum.

She said: "It is an important game for us at the end of a busy week. It is extremely important to build momentum and focus on every game.

"When we win a few games in a row it creates a snowball effect, and the club becomes even more of a positive place to be. We just have to focus on Sunday now and hopefully we can get the win."

Photograph courtesy of Colin Lock/@Tyneside_NUWFC