Joel was handed her full debut - and a first outing on home soil - by Becky Langley against Sheffield United Women, and wasted no time in showing the 3,221-strong crowd what she's capable of by laying on an assist for Shania Hayles.

The Wales international had heard all about the Kingston Park crowd, but to experience it first-hand was something which left her shocked.

"I'm not sure it gets any better than Sunday," Joel told newcastleunited.com.

"I was so excited to play in front of our fans, because a lot of the girls had been hyping it up for a long time - and the Geordie support didn't disappoint.

"It was crazy how early so many of them got to Kingston Park, so when I went out for the warm up I couldn't believe how many were already in their seats."

Joel was one of nine summer arrivals, with United's squad significantly boosted for what's set to be a competitive FA Women's Championship season.

The 25-year-old sees the influx of new arrivals, who joined the nucleus of last season's title-winning squad, as a positive as everyone is now pushing for a starting spot.

"Competition for places is always good and it's healthy for the team because it forces everyone to raise their game," Joel added.

"We have really impressive depth throughout the squad and that will only help us improve as the season goes on."

Next up for the Magpies is a trip to the south coast to face-off against fellow newly-promoted side Portsmouth Women, who Newcastle beat in the FAWNL Cup at St James' Park last campaign.

Pompey are yet to pick up their first point at this level, but Joel is fully aware of the threat they will pose, especially at home.

"It's going to be another battle for us because there are no easy games in the Championship and you've always got to earn three points," she said.

"Portsmouth are another newly-promoted team as well so I'm sure they're keen to make their stamp on the division. They'll be keen to get their first lot of points on the board, but we're ready to kick on and keep building up our momentum."

The Lasses were roared on by a bumper away following in Bromley last time out on the road, contributing to a league-record crowd for London City Lionesses.

Joel has been blown away by Newcastle's away following and said she can't wait to greet them all on Sunday.

"They're nuts but we love and appreciate them so much," she smiled.

"We're always so grateful for the amount of travelling they do and we can't wait to see them down in Portsmouth."