Becky Langley's side came into the game on the back of an impressive Women's FA Cup win at Bolton Wanderers Ladies on Sunday, and surged into a two-goal lead in this local derby at Whitley Park.

But the visitors scored three times in a frantic seven-minute spell to claim the three points in an entertaining affair under the floodlights.

The Magpies went in front after three minutes, when left winger Imogen Longcake timed her run to perfection to meet Megan McKenzie's cross from the opposite flank and steer the ball home for her second goal of the season in all competitions.

And it was 2-0 after 18 minutes - captain Brooke Cochrane swung over a glorious cross from the right and new signing Brianna Westrup, on her full debut, rose above the goalkeeper to bravely get the final touch.

United looked to be full of confidence after their flying start, playing some excellent football, and had opportunities to add to their lead. Beth Gardener made space for a shot with some lovely skill but dragged her 24th-minute shot wide of the far post, then a fantastic flowing move ended in Jess Foster shooting too close to the goalkeeper.

Chester le Street ended the first half strongly, though, with Grace Donnelly forced into two good saves.

At the beginning of the second half, the lively Longcake ghosted past two defenders only to be denied from distance by the visiting goalkeeper but, against the run of play, Chester le Street pulled one back in the 57th minute as Shannon Etherington's deflected shot flew past Donnelly.

Two minutes later, the scores were level thanks to an unstoppable long range strike from Laura Hockaday, and worse was to come in the 62nd minute when Nichole Havery slotted home from the penalty spot.

Newcastle rallied, with McKenzie going agonisingly close to an equaliser, but they could not make some late pressure tell as Chester le Street held on for the victory.

"Gutted, when you are putting on a show and winning 2-0 at half time," said manager Langley. "(It was) the best I've seen us.

"They apply loads of pressure and there was a momentum shift; we concede three goals in seven minutes and lose the game."

The Magpies are back at Whitley Park on Sunday, this time in the FA Woman's National League Plate, when they take on Loughborough Foxes (kick-off 2pm BST).

Newcastle United Women: Grace Donnelly, Brooke Cochrane, Ellen Packham, Courtney Lock, Victoria Curtis (Bethany Guy 78), Rhiannon Gray, Brianna Westrup, Imogen Longcake (Abbie Gilchrist 62), Beth Gardener, Megan McKenzie, Jess Foster

Sub not used: Jane Harland, Steph Ord, Emily Tait

Photograph courtesy of Colin Lock/@Tyneside_NUWFC