Newcastle United Women Star Hayles Aims for Golden Boot and Top Three Finish
Newcastle United Women are set to face Charlton Athletic Women on Sunday, with striker Lauren Hayles looking to add to her 11 league goals this season. The Magpies’ number seven has netted two goals in her last three league appearances and is confident of scoring against the Addicks.
In an interview with Yahoo Sports, Hayles expressed her confidence in front of goal, citing her partnership with January arrival Emily Murphy as a key factor in her success. "Every time I step out on the pitch, I’m confident of scoring and feel like I’ll put any chance in the back of the net," Hayles said. "I feel confident in front of goal, and having Emily Murphy in the team has been huge because I know she’ll always try and play me the ball and find my runs."
Hayles has already hit a major target this season, reaching double figures in the Women’s Championship. However, she is still striving for more, with the golden boot race heating up. "I know the golden boot race is tight, and one game and one goal can change everything, and hopefully for me, that happens this weekend," Hayles said.
The Yahoo Sports reports that Hayles has a history of scoring goals, having hit double figures every season she’s played in the division. In the reverse fixture against Charlton in October, Hayles netted her first professional hat-trick, although United had to settle for a 3-3 draw.
Hayles recalled the game, saying: "It was nice to get my first professional hat-trick, but it’s a bittersweet feeling having left the game with just a point. It’s always nice to score a hat-trick because I think I’d come close quite a few times, but it was nice to get my first one in professional football."
With just three games left to play this season, Hayles and her United team-mates have their sights set on moving up the table, with a top three finish still within reach. The two-time Women’s Championship winner knows how tough this league can be from game to game, but is optimistic about the team’s chances.
"Finishing in the top three or four would be an amazing achievement for the club in our first season in the Championship because it’s a difficult division," Hayles said, according to Yahoo Sports. "It would be a statement to other people that we’re here and ready to compete. This is a club that deserves to be in the WSL (Women’s Super League), and we have the aim of reaching that division."
The Lasses have enjoyed a successful season, with just two defeats on the road in the league. Hayles attributed the team’s good away form to the club’s facilities and support. "I think a lot of our good away form is down to the club," she said. "We have great facilities here, and we get to stay overnight the day before a game, which helps. We want to win every game, but there’s that extra drive to win in front of another team’s set of fans, although our fans make away matches seem like we’re playing at home."
As the team prepares to face Charlton Athletic Women on Sunday, Hayles is hoping for a strong showing from the Magpies’ supporters. "Hopefully this weekend we have a fair few fans travelling down because they’re by far the best supporters I’ve ever played in front of," she said.
In conclusion, Lauren Hayles and Newcastle United Women are looking to end the season on a high, with the striker aiming for the golden boot and a top three finish. With the team’s strong away form and Hayles’ confidence in front of goal, the Magpies will be looking to cause an upset against Charlton Athletic Women on Sunday.
The match between Newcastle United Women and Charlton Athletic Women will take place on Sunday, with kick-off at 12 noon. Fans can expect an exciting encounter between two teams fighting for a top finish in the Women’s Championship.
For more information on women’s football, visit Yahoo Sports.
