Newcastle United sit bottom of the FAWPL Northern Division, but captain Brooke Cochrane believes that, with the right attitude, the team have the ability to climb up the table reports PAUL NICHOLSON.
Seven games remain in the season and the Magpies have a tough finish, with five of those games being away – including all of the next four – beginning with a challenging visit to Fylde Ladies on Sunday.
With both of their wins coming at home, it is important that they find some form on their travels, if they are to salvage anything from the season.
The skipper acknowledges that it will be a tough ask, but insists that “everyone is up for the challenge”.
She said: “I think it’s going to be a huge battle, but with the right attitude, I think we have the ability to get points in the next seven games.
“Training has been very fast and hard, but all of the girls have knuckled down and worked hard. We just need to [transfer that from] the training ground into the games.”
(Newcastle United WFC/Colin Lock)
Cochrane also points to the return of key players with an eye for goal as being significant to their efforts to turn things around in the coming weeks.
“Nicole Dack is now back from injury, which is great as I think we’ve missed her in the centre of the park.
“Having her and Shannon [Etherington] back in the squad will definitely strengthen our side.”
Players from the Development squad pushing for places in the first team are also a positive sign, with the added competition hopefully bringing the best out of the current starters, according to Cochrane.
“Abbie Stevens stepped up last week and had a solid performance for us. Rebecca Hansen has also stepped up and made an impact on and off the pitch.
“Both of these players have massive character, which I think is definitely something we need in the up and coming games.”
But it is not just those two that have impressed the first team skipper.
“I have just watched the development [team] play, and Emily Tait stood out. Her counter attacking led to some great chances.”
The visit to Kellemargh Park for this weekend’s game at Fylde will be a difficult one. The Lancashire side are fourth in the table, but have lost two of their seven home games to date, which leaves Cochrane with some room for optimism.
“Fylde are a strong team to come up against next, but I do believe that if we stick together, something will come of it.
“I’d be happy to get a point, but to get three would be great.”
Kick-off against Fylde at Kellemargh Park is at 2.00pm on Sunday 29 January, and you can follow the action on our official Twitter account here.
