Lady Mags let lead slip against Hill

FA WOMEN’S PREMIER LG NORTH DIVISION ONE

NEWCASTLE United threw away a two-goal lead at Mossley Hill – losing 3-2 and slipping back into relegation trouble.

Last midweek, a hat-trick by Charlotte Proud helped title-chasers Brighouse Town to a 4-0 home win over Newcastle, while bottom club Mossley Hill won.

On Sunday, the Merseyside club fought back to grab the points, moving out of the bottom two – and completing a miserable week for the Lady Mags.

Newcastle started brightly, Jess Foster giving them the lead after 21 minutes with a powerful drive from outside the area.

The visitors doubled their advantage on the stroke of halftime, Brooke Cochrane heading home following a corner which was not cleared properly.

Three minutes after the restart the home side was back in it when Amy Hughes netted.

Hill showed at Newcastle they were no pushovers, despite the 2-1 scoreline, and kept battling and looking for the equaliser.

With 13 minutes remaining, Hill were awarded a penalty which Caroline Charlton converted to make it 2-2.

Three minutes later the hosts scored what proved to be the winner, Nicola James firing her free-kick past Alison Cowling into the net – completing the Hill comeback to earn three valuable points.

In-form Chester-le-Street Town continue to pull themselves away from the relegation battle, winning 2-1 at home against Chorley.

The Durham side’s fourth win in their last five games gave them a six-point cushion from the drop zone.

Nichole Havery scored midway through the first half, Kacie Elson on target on the hour.

A goal six minutes from time by Scarlett Smith made for a nervy ending – but the hosts held on to take the points.

Last season’s NERWFL champions Barnsley fell to the bottom, a point behind Leeds United.

Fifth-bottom United are four points clear of the relegation zone and are preparing to hit the road again, travelling to Crewe Alexandra on Sunday.

Chester-le-Street Town play host to second-bottom Leeds United, also on Sunday.