Steph proving extraOrdinary
A STEPH Ord hat-trick inspired Newcastle United to their first victory at their new Druid’s Park home, winning 5-1 against Morecambe.
In a bright opening, home goalkeeper Claudia Moan tipped the ball on to the bar while former Wallsend BCL goalkeeper Katie McTague saved well to deny Megan McKenzie.
The deadlock was broken after 15 minutes when left back Rebecca Olley swung a cross in from the left, Ord leaping bravely above the defenders to head home.
Both sides kept probing, Abbey Joice firing wide while McTague saved a Jess Foster effort.
A goal out of the blue four minutes before the interval brought the visitors level, a shot from 35 yards by Rachel Warren catching everyone by surprise.
The half-time team talk worked wonders as the Lady Mags moved up a gear, three quick goals giving them a 4-1 advantage.
McTague had already saved well to deny Bethany Guy while Foster shot wide - but on 53 minutes the hosts retook the lead.
Foster’s through ball found Olley in a advanced right-sided position and she calmly side-footed into the far bottom corner.
McTague made a brilliant fingertip save to deny Ord but had no chance two minutes later as Ord, unmarked, let fly from 20 yards the ball flying in off the post.
Sixty seconds later Abbey Joice notched her first goal for the club, driving home from 12 yards out.
With eight minutes remaining, Jess Foster found herself through on goal but was broight down by the last defender, Ord stepping up and narrowly beating McTague with the resulting penalty.
The Lady Mags move up to fourth and visit Barnsley on Sunday in the Women’s FA Cup.
Chester-le-Street Town bounced back from their midweek derby defeat with a 2-0 success at Brighouse Town.
The deadlock was broken fortuitously when Nichole Havery blocked goalkeeper Houldsworth’s clearance, sending the ball rolling back into the net.
Town went close to a second before Havery scored her second 15 minutes from time, poking home after a scramble in the box.
The three points keeps the Durham side in third - Newcastle behind them on goal difference.