Newcastle United Women sealed a sensational comeback win in front of a record St James' Park crowd. The Lady Magpies booked their place in the FA Cup third round in front of 28,565 fans with a 2-1 win over Barnsley - an FA Cup record crowd outside of a final.
Emily Pierrepont put the visitors in front after only 15 minutes, but long-range stunners from Georgia Gibson and Sharna Wilkinson turned the tie around in the space of five second-half minutes. It was a fitting finale for Becky Langley's side in their second St James' Park outing of the year, which shattered the attendance record set in the comfortable win over Alnwick Town Ladies in May.
Newcastle and Barnsley are separated by three points in the Women's National League Division One North, and they played out a tight affair on Tyneside only last month. The league encounter on October 30 looked set to end in a stalemate until Katie Barker latched on to a long ball to net an injury-time winner.
READ MORE: Newcastle United Women vs Barnsley Women highlights
However, the thousands in attendance at St James' Park did not have to wait long for a breakthrough this time around. The Lady Magpies made a fast start and looked to expose Barnsley's high line, but it was the visitors who took the lead after 15 minutes.
Pierrepont worked the ball well to fashion space on the edge of the area, and left captain Grace Donnelly with no chance with her curled effort. The goal came against the run of play, but the Lady Magpies continued to play on the frontfoot.
Kacie Elson and Georgia Gibson regularly found space in behind, but Newcastle struggled to fashion the clearcut chances their dominance deserved. Langley's side were also unable to capitalise on a succession of corners, with Daisy Burt agonisingly unable to turn the ball home when it was deflected her way.
Barnsley looked to be in control after the restart, with the hosts struggling to find any rhythm. However, the tie completely turned in the space of four minutes, much to the delight of the St James' Park crowd.
Gibson brought United level in the 68th minute, spotting Serena Clarke off her line and lofting the ball into the net from 30 yards. The number 10 then missed a golden chance to double her tally for the afternoon just moments later, firing high and wide after going one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
Gibson did not have long to dwell on the miscue, as Wilkinson put Newcastle ahead with another stunner from range. The substitute cut in from the left flank and clipped her effort in off the far post.
Barnsley were visibly shocked by the speed of the turnaround which raised the noise levels in the stands. The visitors struggled to muster a response, and Newcastle comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to earn a deserved win.
Attendance: 28,565
Referee: Megan Wilson
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