By Harry Walsh
It was the hosts set the contest underway in front of an anticipating Newcastle faithful of 7000 spectators, with a point needed to see the Magpies crowned champions in consecutive seasons at a bustling Kingston Park in the Northeast.
It took just 14 seconds for the league-leaders to break the deadlock, with a cross from the left flank finding the head of an unmarked Emma Kelly, who’s effort towards the bottom corner was too much for goalkeeper Faye Hazelton to force the Geordies one ahead.
This was a common theme throughout the earlier periods, with a number of close repeats to the game’s opener coming as a result of the home side’s emphasis on combination play and chance creation from wide areas.
This saw winger Beth Lundsem freely receive the ball on the right-hand side, with a left-footed strike from outside the 18-yard box finding the near corner to extend the Terriers’ deficit to two after 17 minutes.
Following a number of well-defended phases from the Huddersfield backline, Becky Langley’s side earnt their third of the fixture, with goalscorer Kelly’s seemingly crossed effort from range nestling into the top corner in a similar vein to Forest’s opener last time out.
The town side, managed this week by coaching staff member James Horner, slowly developed more of a foothold in the game, creating a chance for support striker Scarlett McMahon following an astute string of build-up play.
The hosts continued to produce efforts, with Paige Bailey-Clarke rounding the keeper but failing to hit the target, as well as a piece of heroic defending from left back Ria Montgomery to deny Katie Barker from three yards.
The midfielder redeemed herself shortly before the half time whistle however, found at the backpost by inverted full-back Liv Watt as the Terriers entered the break with work to do in the second half.
Newcastle increased their advantage shortly after the restart despite a more positive showing from the Town, with goals in quick succession from Baker and Lundsem to hand the goalscorers a brace apiece.
Further goals from Jasmine McQuade, Charlotte Potts and substitutes Kacie Elson and Georgia Gibson closed out the contest, with the works of Hazelton between the sticks denying the Toon of an even heavier scoreline.
Although the Magpies were crowned top of the division, the scoreline unfortunately results in the Terrier’s relegation from the Women’s National League, with the upcoming fixtures against AFC Fylde and Stourbridge Ladies an opportunity to recoup and finish the campaign on a positive note.
The side also head to Hillsborough in the coming weeks for the Hallamshire County Cup final, in which they face Yorkshire side Doncaster Bells for the chance to close out the season with a piece of silverware and regain confidence headed into a new division.
