Newcastle United secure safe passage into FA Cup fourth round with victory over Middlesbrough

Newcastle United are into the fourth round of this season’s Adobe Women’s FA Cup after recording a 2-0 victory over Middlesbrough in a third round tie at Kingston Park this afternoon.

Hannah Greenwood netted both goals for The Magpies as they negotiated their way through what turned out to be a tricky tie on Tyneside.

The first half was played out in typical derby fashion. Newcastle United looked dangerous on the attack but Middlesbrough made every effort to match the Barclays Women’s Championship side.

Both teams went close on the 20-minute mark. First, Middlesbrough’s Abby Towers tested home keeper Claudia Moan with an effort from close range before visiting keeper Laura Wareham expertly denied Jasmine McQuade at the other end.

Newcastle United were struggling to severely test the opposition keeper but they broke the deadlock just before the break. Wareham fumbled the ball following a shot from the edge of the box and Greenwood stuck away the rebound.

The Magpies started the second half brightly and they almost found a second goal. Katie Barker turned the defender before shooting at goal, however, Wareham was able to get a strong glove on the ball.

In the 55th minute, Middlesbrough thought that they’d levelled matters when Millie Bell diverted the ball home after getting on the end of a free-kick but she was deemed to be in an offside position. Beth Lumsden then saw an effort thump the crossbar at the other end.

The game opened up for the hosts as the second half went on but they struggled to make the most of their attacking play. They finally made sure of the victory five minutes from time when Greenwood thumped the ball in from just inside the box. Shania Hayles should have made it three moments later but she scuffed her effort over as the game ended 2-0 in The Magpies’ favour.

Newcastle United will learn of their Adobe Women’s FA Cup fourth round opponents when the draw is conducted at 7pm on Monday evening.