The Lady Magpies, under new manager Becky Langley, travelled to the Oakwell Training Ground after a strong pre-season campaign but were 2-0 down by half time.

Drew Greene opened the scoring with a lobbed finish in the 17th minute, and five minutes later Lindsey Tugby doubled the home side's advantage.

Barnsley had a penalty saved by goalkeeper Dominyka Podziute - who made a string of fine stops throughout the match - just before the break, but despite their best efforts, United could not find a way back into the game in the second period.

Manager Langley said: "Of course we wanted to start the season with three points. We knew Barnsley would be a tough opponent. However, it's a good early lesson.

"The group are together; we will go away and work harder, build more and learn more as a group."

Next up is a FAWNL League Cup tie against local rivals Sunderland on Sunday, 25th August. Kick-off at Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground is at 2pm (BST).

Newcastle United Women: Dominyka Podzuite, Brooke Cochrane, Courtney Lock, Ellie Mark, Jess Hennessy, Rhiannon Gray, Bethany Guy (Imogen Longcake 60), Abbie Gilchrist, Rebecca Olley, Beth Gardener (Jayden Maxwell 65), Jess Foster (Megan McKenzie 70)

Subs not used: Victoria Curtis, Emily Tait