W1’s victory is a Big deal for students

NORTHUMBRIA Sport W1 secured their place at this year’s BUCS Big Wednesday finale with a superb 4-1 home win against a tough Hertfordshire University outfit, writes CHLOE MARK.

Having already been crowned champions of the BUCS Premier North League, coach Amber Whiteley’s side was looking to continue its strong regularseason form and secure an impressive cup double.

In adverse conditions, a brace from Bridget Galloway, added to with goals from Mollie Lambert and Molly Dwyer, wrapped up a comfortable victory for the Tynesiders.

Goalkeeper Grace Donnelly was thrilled with the fast start Northumbria made and by the fact they managed to create so many chances in such poor conditions.

She said: “We started off really strongly in the first half and created a lot of chances.

“The girls kept the ball on the ground and we dealt with the wind really well.

“I thought we also looked particularly threatening at setpiece time.”

Part of W1’s success has been down to their impressive defence, which has conceded only 12 goals this season.

While Donnelly was disappointed to have not maintained a clean sheet, she believed Hertfordshire’s goal spurred Northumbria on to improve their defensive play.

She added: “I was disappointed to concede and not keep a clean sheet.

“The positive is it gives us something to work on as a team ahead of the final – we need to stop the opposition in our penalty area too.

“I think we conceded due to a brief spell of complacency, so it is important going into the final that we concentrate for the entire game.”

The BUCS Big Wednesday clash against Loughborough will be some of Whiteley’s side’s last chance to represent Northumbria.

Last season, Northumbria found themselves on the end of a heart-breaking 2-0 final defeat to arch-rivals Durham.

Donnelly said: “As a group we are all excited about the final.

“For a few of us it will be our last final at Northumbria so we are hoping to go out with a win and win a goal medal.”