Galloway says Newcastle can spring FA Cup surprise at Man Utd

Bridget Galloway is optimistic Newcastle can pull off a major shock against Manchester United in the Women's FA Cup.

The Magpies, who sit top of the Northern Premier Division with 10 wins from 11 games, travel to Leigh Sports Village on Sunday and will be full of confidence after a 7-0 victory over Halifax last weekend.

Becky Langley's side have scored 41 goals in the third tier this season, with the impressive Galloway netting 16 of them.

The forward, 24, told LiveScore: "I do believe we can spring a surprise this weekend.

"We're the underdogs and you never know which way a cup game is going to go.

"We also don't know whether United will put out a full-strength team with their league action restarting against Chelsea next weekend.

"But we know ourselves and what we're capable of — and we've got nothing to lose.

"We haven't looked at any United players in particular because they've got an unbelievable squad but I do believe it's going to be a close game."

Biggest game

Galloway is relishing the prospect of facing one of the best sides in the Women's Super League and stresses it is the hardest test of her young career to date.

She said: "I see this as the biggest game I've ever played in and the biggest club Newcastle have ever faced.

"So it will obviously be a big test. But with the confidence the team has at the minute and the togetherness we have, that will show on the pitch.

"We've also got such a strong back line, which is a huge positive to take into the game.

"I think it's going to be an absolute cracker. This is what you play for.

"You want to play against the best teams and see where you are in comparison."

On a high

Newcastle's victory over Halifax could give them a slight edge going into Sunday's fixture, with United last playing a competitive match on December 17.

Galloway said: "We have momentum going into the game.

"I know United played a friendly against PSV the other week but we're coming off the back of a competitive game.

"So that could play into our hands because you cannot replicate the intensity of a competitive game in a friendly."

Galloway was surprisingly not on the scoresheet against Halifax but the in-form striker knows that is simply more evidence of Newcastle's strength in attack.

She added: "Everyone in the team is on a high and really excited going into this weekend.

"We're scoring goals from all positions. It feels like everyone in the team is capable of finding the back of the net. 

"I didn't get a goal [against Halifax] but I got close — and you can't score every game!

"I managed to set one up, though, so I was very pleased with that."