Women. Boddy: Everything is gelling together

elysia-boddy
Published
24 Jul 23
Team
Women

Newcastle United Women midfielder Elysia Boddy says that the work the Magpies are doing on the training pitch is showing signs of bearing fruit after Becky Langley's side recorded a 2-1 win away to MK Dons Women in their first pre-season friendly on Sunday

Boddy opened the scoring in the first half and, when the sides were locked at 1-1 in the second, outfoxed the Dons' defence with a clever free-kick that fellow new recruit Bridget Galloway dispatched with ease to ensure the victory.

Speaking after the match, the 19-year-old midfielder said that her first few weeks as a Newcastle Women player have been enjoyable, and she and the other summer arrivals are integrating into Langley's squad well.

"It's been really good," she said. "We've been training together for a couple of weeks now and everything seems like it's gelling together.

"The 90-minute performance (against MK Dons) didn't seem like it was our first game together. I enjoyed it."

Speaking specifically about her assist for Galloway, Boddy says that she 'trusted' the former Durham Women striker's instincts in front of goal, and added that quick-thinking is something that her new manager encourages.

"I think the way that Becky likes us to play football is very quick and smart," she said.

"I know Bridget's attributes are that she is very clinical in front of goal, so I trusted that if I put the ball into that area, she would put it away."

MK Dons Women reside in the Southern Premier Division, equivalent to the Northern Premier Division that the Magpies will debut in this term.

Boddy says that testing themselves against fellow tier three teams will stand United in good stead come the season's curtain-raiser against Halifax Women on Sunday, 20th August.

"I think it gives us a good prospect of where we are and where we need to go before the (start of the season)," she explained.

"I think it's really important that we see what opposition in our tier are like, whether that's in the Southern Premier Division or the Northern."

Reflecting on what has been a whirlwind start to life as a Magpie, the midfielder quickly credited her fellow squad members, who have all made her feel welcome as part of Langley's side ahead of the new campaign.

"Everything has flowed how it should," she said. "Everyone is getting a chance and an opportunity to show themselves and I can't fault the girls.

"Every one of them (comes on and makes) an impact or a difference and I really enjoy being out there with the girls."

Newcastle United Women continue their pre-season campaign when they play West Bromwich Albion Women at St. James' Park on Saturday, 5th August as part of the two-day Sela Cup, presented by VisitMalta. Buy tickets here.

Photograph courtesy of Colin Lock

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