United had lost at Barnsley in their opening FAWNL Division One North game of the campaign, before being edged out by Sunderland in a thrilling cup tie seven days later.

But Jess Foster's 75th-minute strike gave Becky Langley's side all three points here. Imogen Longcake had been denied by the visiting goalkeeper on three occasions and Beth Gardener had also come close before Foster raced onto Rebecca Olley's pass to score the only goal of the game.

"I didn't know whether to hit it with my left or hit it with my right, but I think I took it well and it was a great through ball," said the forward. "It was really scrappy in parts. There are things we need to brush up on - the girls know that - but we go again."

And manager Langley added: "It wasn't pretty, but a huge three points to kick start our league season. We battled hard to keep a clean sheet."

Newcastle United Women travel to Durham Cestria on Tuesday night. Kick-off at Maiden Castle is at 8pm (BST) and admission is free.

Newcastle United Women: Grace Donnelley, Megan McKenzie, Courtney Lock, Ellie Mark, Jess Hennessey, Rhiannon Gray (Beth Guy 60), Emily Tait, Rebecca Olley, Beth Gardener (Abby Gilchrist 70), Jess Foster, Imogen Longcake (Jayden Maxwell 70)

Subs not used: Victoria Curtis, Brooke Cochrane