Super-sub Hayles gives Newcastle United Tyne-Wear bragging rights over Sunderland

Shania Hayles came off the bench to net the winner as Newcastle United emerged with a 1-0 victory over Sunderland in a Barclays Women’s Championship fixture at St. James’ Park this afternoon.

The 24-year-old proved the difference with a clinical second-half finish to lift the home side, who remain unbeaten at St. James’ Park, above their Tyne-Wear rivals to sixth in the table.

It didn’t take long for the two sides to acclimatise to the derby atmosphere. Beth Lumsden was sent through on goal after just two minutes, but Demi Lambourne came out quickly to block the shot.

The tackles flew in, but shots became more speculative. Emily Scarr tried her luck from distance, but couldn’t hit the target. Rachel Furness then saw a header cleared off the line before Amber-Keegan Stobbs’ rebound was blocked.

The visitors grew into the game after the break and after holding off waves of attack, they crafted an opening on the right. Katie Kitching picked out Katy Watson, who swivelled and fired over.

It took a substitute to break the deadlock after 77 minutes. Emily Murphy broke through the midfield, drawing players towards her. That opened the space for substitute Hayles, who surged into the box and finished expertly at the near post to open the scoring.

That shook the away side, who had defended well to that point. They had, however, struggled to impose themselves going forward and succumbed to defeat in-front of a Barclays Women’s Championship record crowd of 38,502.

Both teams are back in Barclays Women’s Championship action next weekend. Newcastle United host title contenders London City Lionesses while Sunderland have a home fixture against Charlton Athletic.

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