A CLINICAL brace from Jordan Nobbs was enough to give Newcastle United Women a 2-1 win over Southampton FC Women.
It took only 14 seconds for the deadlock to be broken at St Mary’s stadium as Nobbs was on hand to give Newcastle an early lead.
Southampton decided to launch the ball forwards from kick-off to try and put some early pressure onto the visitors, however it was Magpies player Molly Pike who reacted quickest.
The former Saints player was first to the second ball and subsequently played a line breaking pass into the path of Nobbs.
The former Arsenal midfielder kept her composure to coolly take the ball around Saints goalkeeper Fran Stenson and smartly finish into an open goal.
Despite the early setback Southampton were the team on top for the majority of the first half.
In the 14th minute Michaela McAlonie forced Magpies goalkeeper Anna Tamminen to tip the ball over the crossbar following a long-ranged effort.
After a plethora of spurned half chances from the Saints, and against the run of play, Nobbs punished the home side yet again in the 43rd minute to double Newcastle’s advantage.
After receiving the ball from Freya Gregory on the left wing, Nobbs played a one two with striker Emily Murphy.
The 33-year-old ran onto the beautifully weighted pass and placed the ball into the top right corner with her right foot.
The Saints continued to be the more dominant team at the start of the second half.
In the 52nd minute Ellie Brazil spurned a great opportunity to pull one back, as she blazed her effort over the crossbar from three yards out.
After a lull in play Southampton found their rhythm once again after substitute Tegan McGowan was brought on in the 68th minute.
Aimee Palmer, Brazil and McGowan all came close within the space of two minutes as the Saints looked to claw their way back into the game.
However the home side’s persistence and determination paid off when McGowan pulled a goal back in the 88th minute.
Fellow substitute Maria Edwards played a delightful ball down the line for the 21-year-old, who cut in from the left wing and slotted the ball through the legs of Tamminen.
Despite six additional minutes and a flurry of Southampton corners, the Saints were unable to force an equaliser.
