‘The gap is closing’ – Newcastle United ready to test themselves against West Ham says Oxtoby | OneFootball

Newcastle United head coach Tanya Oxtoby says that the gap between Barclays WSL2 and the top tier is closing.

The Magpies face Barclays Women’s Super League opposition when they play host to West Ham United in the fourth round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup on Friday night.

When speaking to the media in the pre-match press conference, Newcastle United boss Oxtoby said that the gap between the top two divisions is closing and that The Magpies can measure their progress against West Ham United.

“I think the gap is closing, I know that much,” Oxtoby said. “When you look at the investment that goes in at WSL2 level around that top three or top four; in terms of squad depth, facilities and all that goes with it, the gap is definitely closing.

“There’s probably a physical gap that clubs are aware of and we are working really hard to make sure that we are in a position to impact on [that]. When you are talking about the quality of players and all of the things that go around it, I think the gap is definitely closing between WSL1 and WSL2. 

“I guess on Friday, we will know what the gap is. From our perspective, these are the games that we want to play in and test ourselves.”

Promotion is the priority for Newcastle United this season but Oxtoby still wants her side to experience some FA Cup magic.

She said “For me personally, I love the FA Cup, it’s magical. I’ve been lucky enough to win it a few times as well, so I know how special it could be.

“For us, it’s another opportunity to test ourselves against a really good side from a league that we want to be competing in.

“It’s a really good opportunity for us to see where we are at. I just want us to be brave and play our style of football then we will see where we end up. It’s important that we test ourselves in the right way and this game gives us the opportunity to do that.”

Newcastle United will be backed by a sizeable four-figure crowd and Oxtoby says that the fans have a huge role to play.

She said “Massive, I’ve never experienced anything like it in the city. The support we get is insane and they’re going to be super-important again on Friday night.

“Every time we step out there, we want to put on a performance that they can be proud of us for. At times where there are swings of momentum in the game and we need a little bit of support, the crowd are always the ones to pick us up. We will need that again on Friday night because I think there will be some tough periods for both teams. Being at home will definitely give us the edge.”

Newcastle United’s Adobe Women’s FA Cup fourth round tie against West Ham United kicks-off at 7.30pm on Friday night. Tickets are on general sale and can be purchased by clicking here.