Newcastle United Women headed into their long away trip to the South Coast sitting in sixth place one point and one place behind their opponents.
Before transfer deadline day, the club announced the signing of American striker Simone Charley on a short term deal until the end of the season having recently departed NWSL side Orlando Pride. Simone made 14 appearances for the Pride during her time in Florida, having moved from Angel City FC in January 2024. She started her NWSL career in 2019 with Portland Thorns where she scored eight goals in 45 games, and also had a short spell with Canberra United in Australia.
“It feels awesome. I’m really excited to be here and to get started.” She said, on joining the club.
“Simone is a proven forward who has played the majority of her professional career in one of the best leagues. She has the ability to create and score opportunities using her power and speed, and she poses a great threat aerially. We are excited to start working with her.” Manager Tanya Oxtoby (pictured below, added.
Charley was unavailable for the game as she awaits international clearance but Newcastle could boast five former Saints players in their line-up, including a return for Ashanti Akpan, who switched sides last month. Beth Lumsden was the first of the contingent to pull on a black and white shirt back in January 2024. Freya Gregory was next. After scoring at St James’ Park for Southampton last season she headed North last January, while Mollie Pike and Jemma Purfield joined her over the summer.
Match Report
A crowd of 3,935 braved torrential rain to witness Newcastle clinch a league double over Southampton after only taking two points from the Saints last season. They also registered their first win of 2026.
The visitors went ahead after just 15 seconds, with Jordan Nobbs scoring the fastest goal of the WSL2 season. It was the midfielder’s third goal of the season and second against the Saints. From kick-off, Oona Sevenius won an initial header from Southampton goalie Fran Stenson’s long punt, with the ball falling to Molly Pike. The former Saints midfielder, who netted twice in this fixture last season, released Nobbs, who shifted the ball past Stenson with a low finish into the far corner.
Southampton soon responded though and should have been back level when Ellie Brazil advanced before playing into the feet of a free Atlanta Primus, whose shot was easily collected by Anna Tamminen from 12 yards.
Soon after, Mary Bashford slipped the ball away from Aoife Mannion, before taking a shot from 20 yards that forced Tamminen to push over the bar as the hunt for a quickfire equaliser continued.
Newcastle had to absorb a lot of pressure after that early breakthrough but midway through the half, Freya Gregory looked to be through on goal, only to see her strike denied by a strong Stenson save.
Saints continued to push for an equaliser, with Bashford’s effort from the edge of the box dragged narrowly wide of the post.
Towards the end of the first half, Nobbs doubled the Newcastle lead. A neat ball inside from Gregory opened up the space for Nobbs to run forward and play a smart one-two with Murphy, before taking a touch and curling a side-footed finish into the top corner.
After the break, Southampton’s Michaela McAlonie had a chance to test Tamminen that was dealt with calmly. Bashford, who was everywhere for Saints in midfield, found herself in front of goal again but her first-time attempt was wide after she connected with a Jess Simpson cross.
Although Southampton created plenty of attacking chances in the second half, they weren’t able to find a way past Newcastle’s tight defence until the final moments of the game; Ellie Brazil went closest when the ball dropped to her in the box but she fired her chance over the bar.
The Lasses did continue to carry a threat on the counter-attack with the pace of Gregory, Murphy and substitute Beth Lumsden.
Southampton pushed more players forward as the game wore on and went close when Primus was picked out at the near post by Ellie Brazil, but a combination of Jemma Purfield and Tamminen denied her a goal.
But Southampton did pull one back on 88 minutes. With the Lady Mags pushed back under a relentless home attack, substitute Tegan McGowan scored her first Saints goal, as she darted down the right wing and slipped the ball underneath Tamminen from a tight angle.
That goal gave Saints renewed belief for the six minutes of stoppage time that followed, but thye were unable to find a second.
Newcastle United: Anna Tamminen, Charlotte Wardlaw, Aoife Mannion, Jemma Purfield, Kaitlyn Torpey, Lois Joel, Jordan Nobbs (Demi Stokes 87), Molly Pike (Ashanti Akpan 77), Oona Sevenius (Beth Lumsden 58), Emily Murphy, Freya Gregory.
Subs not used: Claudia Moan, Shania Hayles, Emilia Larsson.
Southampton: Fran Stenson, Jess Simpson, Amy Goddard, Tara Bourne, Megan Collett, Chloe Peplow, Mary Bashford, Aimee Palmer, Ellie Brazil, Atlanta Primus (Maria Edwards 86), Michaela McAlonie (Tegan McGowan 68).
Subs not used: Ella Pettit, Rachel Brown, Milly Mott, Ellie Hack, Isabel Watts, Esta Roberts, Ruby-Rae Tucker, Jessie Archibald.
Where that leaves Newcastle United Women
Newcastle moved back above Southampton into fifth, with Crystal Palace two points ahead of them in fourth spot.
They are now six points behind Birmingham City, after they drew with Durham. The Blues occupy the final automatic promotion berth in second.
Bristol City occupy third spot and the play-off place with WSL 1’s bottom placed side. However, despite being three points clear of Newcastle, they lost to Palace at the weekend, with the Lasses having a game in hand on both sides.
What’s coming up
Newcastle return home to play the Saints local rivals Portsmouth on Sunday. Weather permitting.