Newcastle Women Set Championship Attendance Record in Derby

Newcastle United's women's team set a Championship attendance record with 38,502 fans at St. James' Park for the first-ever women's Tyne-Wear derby, where they defeated Sunderland 1-0. Shania Hayles scored the decisive goal, while emotions ran high, culminating in Newcastle's manager, Becky Langley, being sent off in the closing moments. The match coincided with the celebration of Newcastle's men's Carabao Cup victory, as the trophy was paraded at halftime, marking it the first major silverware for the men's team in 56 years. Sunderland's head coach, Mel Reay, acknowledged the challenging atmosphere but emphasized the team's determination to improve after their disappointing performance. The record attendance highlights the growing passion for women's football in the region, with initiatives like free transportation to the match further encouraging fan engagement. Overall, the derby was a significant cultural event, showcasing the rising prominence of women's sports.