‘It’s a really good point’ – Newcastle United boss Langley pleased with opening day draw | OneFootball

Newcastle United head coach Becky Langley was pleased with her side’s 1-1 draw against London City Lionesses at Hayes Lane this afternoon.

The Magpies collected a point on their Barclays Women’s Championship debut. Shania Hayles put the Tynesiders ahead after 20 minutes before Kosovare Asllani levelled matters for London City Lionesses later in the first half.

When speaking to the media after the match, Newcastle United boss Langley said that she was happy to be going home with an opening day point.

“There are mixed emotions because we are so competitive; we want to take all three [points] of course, but it’s a really good point away from home in our first game in the Championship against London City who have also invested in their women’s team,” Langley said.

“I think we’ve come away with a solid point to build on.”

Newcastle United dominated the first half-hour before London City Lionesses found momentum and started to click. Langley admitted that there was little to separate the two sides and that either team could have come away with maximum points on another day.

She said “It felt really competitive. It was two good sides that battled it out and there wasn’t much between.

“The margins are so small; Shania’s [Hayles] chance in the first half could have made it 2-1 to us and they’ve obviously hit the bar. Pottsy [Charlotte Potts] has made a great clearance from Izzy Goodwin too. The margins are so tight and they will be the whole season.

“We will use it as momentum and look to build on it.”

Both Newcastle United and London City Lionesses could be in the title race come the business end of the season. Both clubs have invested heavily in a bid to reach the Barclays Women’s Super League and Langley is keen for other clubs to follow their lead.

She said “I thought the level was high, the intensity from both teams. I thought the speed in-behind from both teams was a real threat and I thought we handled it well.

“Ultimately, we want to keep seeing the game growing and it’s fantastic to see this level of investment in the Championship. Hopefully, other clubs follow suit and we don’t see that huge gap and the Championship starts levelling up so that multiple teams are ready for that WSL jump.”

Newcastle United return to action on Sunday 22 September 2024 when they play host to Sheffield United at Kingston Park.