Stokes speaks ahead of Sunderland on Sunday | OneFootball

Newcastle United Women travel to the Stadium of Light on Sunday to face Sunderland Women for the first time in the Barclays Women's Championship.

Becky Langley's squad contains several players who've turned out for both sides throughout their careers, and Stokes is one of them having broken through into Sunderland's first team aged 16.

The England international has fond memories of her time with the Black Cats but knows it's all about picking up three points for United this weekend.

"It's been 15 years since I was at Sunderland which does show my age a little bit," Stokes told newcastleunited.com.

"I've only got good memories from my time there. I remember we beat Chelsea at the Stadium of Light when nobody expected us to.

"Obviously I'm now on the other side so it's all about us winning and picking up the three points.

"Everyone loves the derby and it's all you know growing up as a kid in the North East.

"I used to love going to the games as a kid, so as a fan, I know everyone will be buzzing going into the match on Sunday. We can't lose sight of what is important, which is winning the game."

While this isn't the first derby of the season for Newcastle, it's certainly the biggest one with a record Championship crowd expected, surpassing the 11,137 set at Bramall Lane when Sheffield United Women faced London City Lionesses in 2022.

United have plenty of experience playing in front of bumper crowds at St James' Park, but Stokes feels that not letting the occasion get the better of them will be key.

"I think we have to be aware of the occasion but also it's very easy to get caught up in the emotions and the game can pass you by," she said.

"We've spoken about the game and how big it is and everyone has their own motivation for the match. I think we're in a good place as a squad to pick up a positive result.

"It’s about acknowledging that it's a derby and knowing we'll have to bring a little bit extra fight, but just playing the game - and I think we're in a good place as a squad."

Sunday's game at the Stadium of Light will be shown live on the Women's Championship's YouTube channel.