NEWCASTLE United Women's boss Becky Langley is hoping for a first 30,000-plus crowd when her side return to St James' Park for the fourth time later this month.

The Magpies are one game away from their first ever appearance in the FA Women's National League Cup final and are hoping a bumper St James' Park crowd can play their part when they host Portsmouth in semi-final on Sunday, February 25 at 2pm.

Langley's side are enjoying a fine campaign, currently sitting top of the FA WPL Premier Division with 11 wins from their 13 games as well as enjoying a run to the last four of the League Cup.

Newcastle have been victorious in their three previous St James' Park appearances and have set league attendance records along the way.

More than 22,000 watched Newcastle beat Alnwick Town Ladies in their first ever appearance at the stadium in May, 2022 and that crowed swelled to 28,565 for an FA Cup victory over Barnsley in December of that year. More than 24,000 then turned out to see Langley's side hammer Bradford 6-1 last April - and Newcastle Women's boss is now hoping for another show of big support.

"We're really looking forward to the opportunity to play at St. James' Park again," she said.

"For those that are Newcastle-born players, to those that have joined us this season, there is going to be a lot of excitement.

"We've got a team full of passionate players who give everything for that black and white shirt; that’s what we've built the past few years upon.

"With it being a cup competition, I know Geordies will get behind the team and hopefully get us to the final. We want to lift the trophy at the end of the season, so the support is massively valued. It would really give us that extra 10%.

"We want to get the biggest crowd we can: if we can get over 30,000, I think that would be brilliant."

Tickets are on sale now, priced at £5 for adults and £1 for concessions. Those prices will rise to £8 and £2 on the day.

Supporters can purchase tickets online via www.book.nufc.co.uk. Large group bookings can be made by emailing boxoffice@nufc.co.uk.