Tanya Oxtoby keen to get ball rolling in 2026 with FA Cup tie against West Ham | OneFootball

Tanya Oxtoby is keen to get the ball rolling for her Newcastle team in 2026, with a difficult FA Cup tie against West Ham coming up for the Magpies first.

Newcastle’s first game of the year was postponed so they will be hoping to pick up some momentum in the cup against a struggling team.

Tanya Oxtoby looking to cause an upset

Newcastle vs Birmingham was postponed at the start of 2026 but that hasn’t slowed the Championship side down.

The Magpies are challenging for promotion this year. Three teams can go up this season with the WSL expanding to 14 teams and Newcastle are right in the mix.

Tanya Oxtoby’s team are eight points off top spot but there is only three points separating second and fifth.

With a six-pointer against Charlton coming up, Newcastle are keen to gather some momentum fast.

“I think everyone is keen to get back out there and get some momentum going again. I think we had some positive results before the break, and it now feels like a lifetime ago.

“All the preparation this week has focused on driving standards and ensuring we control as much as possible. So, we’re excited to get out there and really test ourselves.”

Despite the gap between Newcastle and West Ham in the football pyramid, Oxtoby believes that the WSL2 is closer to the top flight than ever before.

“I think when you look at the investment that goes in at WSL2 level and the clubs that are in and around that sort of top three or four, I think in terms of their squad depth, in terms of facilities and all the things that go with it, so I think the gap is definitely closing.”

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Newcastle want deep cup run

There is no doubt that Newcastle can go far in the FA Cup this season.

The Magpies may be in the Championship, but their opponents are struggling in the WSL.

West Ham are definitely vulnerable to an upset but under new management they will be confident on holding Newcastle away from home.

The Hammers have won just two of their last ten games but a win on Friday night could be the catalyst to turning their season around.