THE cup dream is over for Tynedale Ladies after their glamour tie with Newcastle United ended in defeat.

Hopes of an giant-slaying upset in the first round proper of the Women’s FA Cup were high at half time, with the sides locked together at 0-0.

But a second half masterclass by the clinical Magpies ensured the Premier League Northern side progressed in the national competition.

The hosts were full of confidence going into the game, after their memorable victory over Crewe Alexandra in the qualifying round.

Once again they were backed by an army of green and white clad followers at Ryton & Crawcrook Albion on Sunday, eager to witness another cup shock.

A Newcastle side which included teenage defender Ellen Packham, a pupil at Hexham’s Queen Elizabeth High School, signalled their intent from kick off.

Tyne keeper Coral Duff was called into action twice in the early stages, first saving a 25-yard free kick, and then a curling effort from Lauren Robson.

The tricky Robson was a constant threat down the right before switching wings.

But despite several efforts, she couldn’t find a way past Duff, while defenders Laura Hepple and Jane Riddell made numerous timely interceptions.

Robson did have the ball in the net on 37 minutes, after running onto Shannon Etherington’s through ball, but the linesman flagged for offside. Despite nursing an injury, home striker Christine Murray played through the pain barrier to lead the line, and almost scored in the latter stages of the first half.

She ran onto a high ball and powered her way through the Newcastle defence, but her firmly struck volley was too close to the advancing United keeper Allison Cowling.

On the stroke of half time, Tynedale’s Riddell cleared off the line at the far post from a corner.

It was from a corner, however, which led to Newcastle taking the lead early in the second half. From a left wing corner by Robson, centre half Jess Clark’s brave header in a crowded penalty area broke the deadlock. Etherington thought she had made it 2-0 to the Magpies just a minute later, but she was flagged offside after placing the ball to the left of the keeper.

At 1-0, Tynedale were still in the game, and on the hour mark, advancing midfielder Lauren Ray headed it down for Ashley Lambert on the edge of the box, but the latter’s volley sailed over the bar.

The game was beginning to ebb and flow. After Newcastle’s Sophie Williams hit the bar with an 18-yard curling shot on 70 minutes, Tynedale almost made them pay.

Lambert’s firm drive from the edge of the box was blocked, and the ball fell to Riddell, whose acrobatic volley forced a fingertip save from the keeper. The miss proved vital, for a minute later Newcastle sealed the victory with Nicole Dack making it 2-0 with a powerful drive from 25 yards.

Tynedale legs were beginning to tire when the visitors made it 3-0 on 85 minutes.

The pacy Williams cruised past a defender before rounding the goalkeeper to side foot home.

Tynedale dared to dream in this season’s cup with fearless performances against national renowned teams of proven quality.