With restrictions eased and Solihull Moors Women back in training, manager David Healey set up a challenging series of friendly games. First up was a trip north to face Newcastle United Women at Druid Park.

On a cold afternoon where we saw rain, sleet, snow and sun the team selected was:

Whiteman (GK), Ackroyd, Bruton, Creaney (c), Pagan, Gowlett, McDonnell, Lowe, Jefferies, Leedham.

Subs: Thompson, Jamieson.

Newcastle kicked off with a strong breeze behind them. In the early exchanges they looked the stronger side and this was to be expected having played the previous week - this was the first outing for Moors since December. Visiting 'keeper Jodie Whiteman was called into action in the eighth minute, tipping a half-volley over the bar. Then, a few minutes later, the hosts hit the post when a cross-cum-shot was played in from the wing.

Newcastle then scored four times in 10 minutes which seemed to galvanize the Moors into action, and they had a great 15 minutes of possession but were not able to trouble Wareham in the Newcastle goal.

On the half hour, Kathryn Pagan was substituted after sustaining a head injury - Araina Thompson the replacement. Newcastle then scored on 43 minutes after breaking down the left-hand side from a cleared Moors corner; the teams went in with the home side five to the good.

Early in the second half, Moors won a free-kick about 20 yards out with Annie Ackroyd striking the ball into the arms of the Newcastle 'keeper.

The Magpies then scored three goals in a 10-minute spell to make it eight, with the Solihull 'keeper making a triple save at one point before the visitors cleared their lines.

On 70 minutes Charlotte Leedham pulled one back for the Moors with arguably the goal of the game. Chasing a pass from the midfield, Leedham let fly from about 25 yards with two defenders around her and watched it hit the back of the net.

With 10 minutes to play, Healey gave a Moors debut to 15-year-old Katie Jamieson who was making the step up from the Youth & Junior section.

Newcastle scored their final goal of the game with 88 on the clock, as it finished 9-1.

Manager David Healey said after the game that he was proud of his players after not playing for so long. They came through a stiff test against good opposition, and has set up this series of games to do just that.

Report and image: Richard King

Next game: Aston Villa Academy, Wednesday 14th April