It’s a big night for Head Coach Chloe Gaynor and her this week in the Vertu Arena. A rare chance for them to play at home on a Friday night. With there being no men’s game this weekend, the Club are hoping that the Eagles loyal fanbase will get behind their women’s team in big numbers.

They face a Leicester Riders side who arrive with a three-win ten loss record in the Championship so far this season and who the Eagles defeated 75-66 earlier in the campaign. But once again Newcastle go into the game short-handed.

This time there will be no Maria Mongomo who is now out for the season but for good reason. Mongomo announcing that her pregnancy and forthcoming arrival of her baby means she has to step aside. Gaynor paid tribute to her Spanish star and how her team will cope.

“I mentioned it was announced on Wednesday that in the article yesterday we’re really pleased for Maria and her family. We obviously know that she will be a big miss for us on the floor.”

“But much like the story of the season, we just have to keep going with the mentality of next player up and sharing the load.”

Last time out Eagles lost 97-79 to Essex Rebels on the road and will therefore be looking to bounce back on Friday night. The game at Essex saw Newcastle lead by four points at half-time before things went wrong in the second half as Gaynor reflected.

“The start to the 3rd quarter was ultimately the downfall for us there. We got into some foul trouble early and ultimately suffered for it. It’s an area of the game we need to improve on to have success down the stretch this season.”

Eagles were without forward and one of their leaders Jada Dapaa for that game and still  put in a good battling effort. As Gaynor pointed out, they are getting used to having these setbacks.

“I feel for the team in the sense that we’ve had a lot to contend with this season, but it’s sport and seasons like this happen. It’s more about the mentality and how we respond to situations that are out of our control.”

“I think the team has done a great job so far of adapting and performing regardless, so we have to continue with that.”

Despite their record and the Eagles beating them earlier in the season, Gaynor knows they still have a tough task on Friday.

“I think every team in this league are capable on their day and that has been the fun thing about the league this season. Leicester haven’t had the results since Christmas but ultimately, we still have to play well to get a win.”

As ever when previewing the task in front of her players she contemplated and concluded with her thoughts on the keys to the game.

“For us is its intent. What are we looking to do and how are we going to do it. Making sure that we’re productively communicating on the floor and building up that confidence and trust in each other defensively as we build for the remainder of the season.”

“We have also spoken about the importance of the first 3 mins of the 1st and 3rd quarter, so I’m hoping to see us improve in that area too.”

A win in the Vertu Arena on Friday which tips-off at 7:30pm would take Newcastle to an eight-win five loss record and very much see them back in the race for a home quarter-final tie in the end of season playoffs.

Tickets are still available on the box office and on the door tonight. The game will be live and free to watch on the SLB YouTube channel.