Newcastle United Women Edge Sunderland 1-0 In Historic Derby

In a historic showdown at St James' Park, Newcastle United Women triumphed 1-0 over local rivals Sunderland in the highly anticipated women’s Tyne-Wear derby, watched by a record crowd of 38,502.

The match, held on March 23, 2025, marked a significant milestone for women's football in the region, surpassing the previous record attendance of 15,387 set in a reverse fixture earlier this season. The atmosphere was electric as fans filled the stadium, backed by the undeniable growth and popularity of the women’s game, particularly after the dramatic rise in interest following the England Lionesses' success in the Euro tournament.

Shania Hayles emerged as the hero for Newcastle, scoring the decisive goal in the 78th minute. Having been introduced as a substitute just nine minutes earlier, her impact was immediate when she combined beautifully with Emily Murphy, who provided a pinpoint pass into the penalty area. Hayles pounced quickly, unleashing a low shot that found the bottom right corner, sending the home fans into jubilation.

Newcastle’s manager, Becky Langley, was visibly passionate throughout the match, but her emotions peaked in the final moments when she was shown a red card for dissent against the referee's decisions during added time.

The match was notable not only for the sporting outcome but also for the celebration of Newcastle United's men's recent achievements. During halftime, CEO Darren Eales and former club captain Bobby Moncur presented the Carabao Cup trophy—a first piece of silverware won by the men's team in 56 years—to the gathered crowd, marking a historical capstone for a celebratory day.

Despite facing a vigorous Sunderland side that had their own chances—most notably a long-range effort from Katie Kitching—it was Newcastle who ultimately controlled the pace and flow of the game. Earlier in the match, Newcastle created several opportunities, including efforts from Beth Lumsden and Rachel Furness, yet they failed to capitalize until Hayles’ stunning finish.

Sunderland pushed hard in the latter stages, making several substitutions in a desperate search for the equalizer, but Newcastle’s defense, anchored by the experienced Demi Stokes and Charlotte Wardlaw, held strong despite the mounting pressure.

The victory saw Newcastle leapfrog Sunderland into sixth place in the Championship, now level on points with Bristol City. However, they remain 10 points behind leaders Birmingham City, with only seven fixtures remaining in the season and two games in hand.

As the final whistle blew and the players celebrated among the adoring crowd, the significance of the day was clear. Not only was it a victory in the standings, but it was a colorful testament to the continued growth of women's football, showcasing how rapidly the landscape is evolving and how vital such moments are for the future of the game.

In conclusion, this derby was more than just a match; it represented the escalating competition and interest in women's football in the North East, a trend that could reshape the sport for years to come. The attendance set a new benchmark, while the thrilling performance left fans eagerly anticipating the next encounter.