Penalties? OOH dear! FIVE PAGES OF GRASSROOTS SPORT START HERE WITH GIRLS FOOTBALL: United's hopes of Cup glory ended by spot of bother.

NEWCASTLE United were knocked out of the Women's FA Cup in the third round after losing on penalties to OOH Lincoln.

Lincoln dominated from the off and Toon goalkeeper Laura Wareham had to make a double save in the 15th minute as the home side surged forward.

However, United threatened on the break and should have scored when Steph Eadon latched on to a though ball and then rounded the goalkeeper.

She squared the ball to Stacey Crooks - only for the chance to go begging as the ball bobbled over her foot.

The Magpies' defence then tightened up as they limited Lincoln to just long-range punts.

Just as the half drew to a close, a Rae Taylor free-kick found Rachel Furness who finished from 16 yards out to put Newcastle ahead.

Lincoln fought back strongly in the second period as they hit the bar from close range.

Eventually, in the 86th minute Lincoln celebrated a scrappy equaliser when Stacy Aisthorpe found a loose ball and her deflected shot deceived Wareham. As the game entered extratime it was Lincoln who struck first when Aisthorpe scored.

Newcastle swarmed forward to get back on terms, and in the 114th minute Melanie Reay slotted home after running on to a Furness through ball.

Both sides battled for a winner with Newcastle's best chance coming when Steph Eadon broke the offside trap - only for her first touch to let her down and take her wide.

Newcastle won the penalty toss and Reay scored the opener. Lincoln missed their first, but Crooks' effort was also saved - allowing Lincoln to equalise with their next effort.

Ridley then converted for the Magpies and Wareham went on to save Lincoln's effort to keep Newcastle in front.

However, drama was to follow as the referee ordered a re-take of Lincoln's penalty.

This was then missed again, but Furness also went on to fluff her spot kick.

Both Lincoln and Newcastle wasted their next efforts, but Lincoln took it to sudden death when they capitalised on another Toon penalty failure.

Rae Taylor missed for the Magpies and Lincoln duly put away theirs, sending Newcastle out on spot kicks for the second year in a row.

United manager Neil Baistow said: "It was a cruel way to go out of the cup for the second year running.

"However, I cannot fault my own players for their performance."

United return to FA Women's Premier League action at Manchester City tomorrow.

CAPTION(S):

GOAL: Mel Reay SCORER: Furness