The forward, who missed the first four months of the season with a broken ankle, struck with ten minutes remaining to take Becky Langley's side up to sixth in the FA Women's National League Division One North table.

It was their reward for a battling performance which led to a second clean sheet in a row - all the more impressive given injuries to captain and right-back Brooke Cochrane and centre-backs Ellen Packham and Courtney Lock, as well as goalkeeper Grace Donnelly - with Maisie Cole's vital last-ditch tackle just before half time proving to be a key act in the game.

Soulsby entered the fray in the 62nd minute and her matchwinning moment came 18 minutes later. In-form Imogen Longcake burst down the right and showed great composure to cut the ball back to Soulsby, who lobbed the Chorley goalkeeper from just inside the box.

"After months out with a broken ankle, after a 100 per cent commitment to the programme since her injury, I could not not be happier for Anna Soulsby," said coach Langley. "That's the most I've seen the girls dig deep as a team. They fought for each other."

Next up for the Lady Magpies is another away game, this time at Liverpool Feds, on Sunday (kick-off 2pm GMT).

Newcastle United Women: Dominyka Podziute, Brianna Westrup, Megan McKenzie, Masie Cole, Rhiannon Gray, Emily Tait, Beth Guy (Anna Soulsby 62), Abbie Gilchrist, Jess Foster, Imogen Longcake, Beth Gardener

Sub not used: Jane Harland

Photograph courtesy of Colin Lock/@Tyneside_NUWFC