Rebecca Hunt's second-half strike was the difference in the National League Division One North meeting as the Lady Magpies were unable to claim their eighth league win of the season.

The first goalscoring opportunity of the league clash fell to the visitors as Shelbey Morris' audacious lob over United goalkeeper Grace Donnelly sailed narrowly wide of the far post.

Stacey Buxton also went close to breaking the deadlock for the Phoenix after racing onto a through ball but was unable to gain a clean connection with the ball, with the forward dragging her low effort past the target.

Donnelly was forced into making a crucial stop for the Lady Magpies, tipping Holly Findlay's header past the near post after United defender Courtney Lock bravely denied Rebecca Hunt from managing a shot at goal.

Newcastle luckily escaped going behind before the conclusion of the opening 45 minutes as Hunt raced onto Catherine Hamill's quick free kick over the top of the Magpies' defence before lifting the ball over Donnelly, but the looping attempt landed on top of the crossbar, to the relief of the United defence, who were able to clear the ball to safety.

In the second half, Leeds continued their attacking pressure and Newcastle required Donnelly to make another key stop. After Findlay attempted to round the United shot-stopper, Donnelly got down quickly to smother the strike.

United almost punished Leeds as Nicole Dack's lofted through ball fell into the path of Ellen Turnbull, but the forward, with time and space inside the penalty area, could only steer her low shot wide of the far post.

The miss proved crucial as Leeds took the lead just before the hour mark as Beth Davies beat the offside trap before her pass across goal found Hunt in the six-yard area, and she slotted the ball into an empty net.

Newcastle went in search for an equaliser but were lacking the important final ball; their first shot on target came in the final minute as captain Brooke Cochrane's cross-cum-shot struck the post before the referee blew for full time after Leeds scrambled the ball to safety.

Newcastle United Women: Grace Donnelly, Brooke Cochrane (c), Courtney Lock, Ellen Packham, Jess Hennessy, Victoria Curtis, Bethany Guy, Nicole Dack (Abbie Gilchrist 70), Ellen Turnbull, Lauren Wilson (Abbie Joice 60), Imogen Longcake.

Subs not used: Rachel Bell, Emily Tait.​