'I want us to be brave' - Oxtoby on Magpies' Women's FA Cup clash with Hammers | OneFootball

The Magpies welcome Barclays Women's Super League outfit West Ham United Women to the GIS this Friday evening for their first game of 2026 - and a first home game in over five weeks.

United are aiming to book their spot in the fifth round of the Adobe Women's FA Cup after their 4-0 home victory against Liverpool Feds in the third round, which came thanks to a Shania Hayles brace and goals from Emily Murphy and Jasmine McQuade.

Here are some of the boss' main talking points during the pre-match media briefing at the Newcastle United Media Centre…

ON GETTING BACK OUT ON THE PITCH…

"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."

ON HER SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FA CUP…

"I love the FA Cup, it's a magical competition, and I've been lucky enough to win it a few times as well, so I know how special it can be.

"It's a really good opportunity for us to see where we are at, and I've said to the girls all week, I want us to be brave and play our style of football. I think it's important for us to test ourselves in the right way, and this game gives us a good opportunity to do that."

ON THE GAP BETWEEN THE WSL AND WSL2…

"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.

"I think the gap is definitely closing between WSL and WSL2. I think the more that clubs like ourselves can continue to develop in that area (it will continue to close), and I think the play-off is a really exciting element to it."

ON THE FANS' SUPPORT ON FRIDAY NIGHT…

"They're going to be super important on Friday night, and every time we step out there, we want to make sure we put in a performance they can be proud of.

"I think at times where there are those swings in momentum in the game, and we need a little bit of support, the crowd are always the one there to pick us up, so we'll need that again."