Newcastle United Women took an early lead against their West Yorkshire opponents, who started the day in third place, and although the visitors quickly levelled, the Lady Magpies came within inches of getting all three points in the closing stages.

The result and performance underlined the progress made by Becky Langley and Lee Blackburn's side since the beginning of the season, and after booking their place in the Bluefin Sport County Cup final seven days earlier, an exciting end to the campaign is in store for the black and whites.

Leading scorer Beth Gardener opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a fierce drive from the edge of the area - her ninth strike of the season.

Brighouse equalised on the half-hour through Emma Dobson, but the Lady Magpies finished strongly and debutant Courtney Stewart came agonisingly close to a winner in the 86th minute before Anna Soulsby fired just over in the dying seconds. 

Newcastle United Women are at home again next Sunday - International Women's Day - when they entertain Bolton Wanderers Ladies at Druid Park (kick-off 2pm GMT). 

Newcastle United Women: Dominyka Podziute, Courtney Lock, Emily Tait, Megan McKenzie, Jane Harland, Rhiannon Gray (Brianna Westrup 61), Kacie Elson, Imogen Longcake (Anna Soulsby 57), Abbie Gilchrist (Courtney Stewart 73), Jess Foster, Beth Gardener

Subs not used: Beth Guy, Rebecca Olley

Photograph courtesy of Colin Lock/@Tyneside_NUWFC