Steph’s hat-trick is just extraOrd-inary
NEWCASTLE United’s relegation last season meant the Lady Mags were drawn in the qualifying rounds - but they comfortably reached the first round proper with a 9-1 victory at home over Carlisle United.
Siobhan Jones gave the hosts an early lead and should have completed a hat-trick inside the opening half-hour.
Rhiannon Gray also went close before a fine solo effort by winger Jess Foster made it 2-0 after 32 minutes.
Steph Ord headed in four minutes later and two minutes later Foster’s second made it 4-0 to put the hosts in command.
The Cumbrians, who play in Northern Division One of the North East Women’s League, found the target on the hour - Carly Stevenson with their consolation goal.
Jones soon added her second, converting a Rebecca Olley cross to make it 5-1.
Four counters in the final quarter completed an emphatic victory.
Nicole Dack finished a good team move before Ord netted her second.
A good run and cross by Megan McKenzie set up Steph Lyons to be on the scoresheet.
Then, in the dying minutes, Ord completed her hat-trick.
Newcastle’s FAWPL rivals Chester -le-Street Town gained revenge over Barnsley, securing a 2-1 home victory in the process.
Nichole Havery scored a minute before the break and then again eight minutes into the second period, putting her side 2-0 up against last season’s NERWFL champions.
The Tykes, who won the league fixture 5-2 last weekend, halved the deficit midway through the second period, Abby Parkin netting, but the Durham side successfully played out the remaining 20 minutes.
NERWFL Northern Division side South Shields fought heroically at home against Norton and Stockton Ancients but eventually lost 3-0.
Alnwick Town made it to the first round in their first season, prevailing 5-0 at home against Rotherham United.
One of the lowest-ranked sides in the competition, Alnwick play in a five-team Pinpoint Recruitment Junior League - where they beat Killingworth YPC 23-0 last week.
Jade Barrett bagged a brace with former Lowick United players Amy Hately, Georgia Thompson and Melanie Darling all on target.
Hartlepool beat league rivals and hosts Farsley Celtic 3-1.