Newcastle’s Abbie Richardson reveals family pride after senior debut

Abbie Richardson expressed her family's pride after making her senior debut for Newcastle United Women during Wednesday's 3-1 cup defeat against Aston Villa. The 18-year-old defender entered the match as an 87th-minute substitute for Lois Joel, playing in front of her parents who are long-time season ticket holders at St. James' Park.

The debut arrived just one week after Richardson signed her first professional contract, making her the first player to graduate from Newcastle's women's academy to professional terms. Fellow academy graduate Casi Gregson also made her senior debut under manager Tanya Oxtoby in the match.