Becky Langley's side took the lead against the Wearsiders - who are a division above United - and then came from behind before finally losing to a late goal in front of a crowd of 1,168.

Forward Beth Gardener opened the scoring after 11 minutes with a fine strike and despite a strong response from the home side, goalkeeper Grace Donnelly thwarted them on three occasions before she was finally beaten by a powerful Jessica Brown shot.

In first half stoppage time, Brown fired Sunderland in front with her second of the afternoon, but the Lady Magpies showed fantastic character to level through Imogen Longcake.

The right-winger drifted infield before sending a sumptuous lob over Allison Cowling - but with 15 minutes remaining, Bridget Galloway grabbed what proved to be the winner.

"I was immensely proud of the players," said manager Langley, whose side are at home to Chorley Women on Sunday (kick-off 2pm GMT). "We went toe-to-toe against a very strong Sunderland Ladies team."

Newcastle United Women: Grace Donnelly, Ellen Packham, Courtney Lock, Ellie Mark, Jess Hennessey, Imogen Longcake, Rhiannon Gray, Emily Tait (Abi Gilchrist 62), Jess Foster (Jayden Maxwell 70), Rebecca Olley, Beth Gardener (Megan McKenzie 70)

Subs not used: Victoria Curtis, Beth Guy

Photograph courtesy of Sunderland AFC