Playing their first competitive match since the first weekend of November, when they beat Sunderland West End Ladies in the third qualifying round, Becky Langley's side showed no signs of rustiness against their South Yorkshire visitors - who were leading the FA Women's National League Division One North when the 2019/20 season was cut short in March. 

The current league campaign has also been interrupted by Covid-19, with United playing just three times so far, but they have made excellent progress in the cup, scoring 15 times in their two matches before Sunday's game. 

And goals from Katie Barker, Anna Soulsby and Georgia Gibson saw the Lady Magpies' run continue on a wet afternoon at Druid Park, with the supporters who took the opportunity to watch - following updated FA guidelines - treated to a fine performance from the black and whites.

Just like Steve Bruce's men's team on Saturday, Newcastle got off to a flying start as they took the lead inside the opening five minutes, with Barker heading home from Gibson's corner for a sixth goal in her debut season on Tyneside.

Four minutes later, Barker set up Jess Foster, whose shot struck a post, but in the 16th minute it was 2-0 as Soulsby let fly from 30 yards, leaving Barnsley goalkeeper Micha Boyes with no chance and giving her a fourth goal of the term. 

Boyes made a great save from Rhiannon Gray shortly after the half-hour mark and the visitors pulled one back in the 51st minute when Darcie Greene converted from close range. 

But with five minutes remaining, Gibson eased United nerves as she took advantage of a defensive mix-up to run through and make it 3-1 with her third of the season. She then made way for Courtney Stewart to make her first competitive appearance of the campaign following her long-awaited return to action in last weekend's friendly against Sunderland. 

Unfortunately Stewart was then hurt in the final moments of the game, and it is to be hoped that the talented defender won't be sidelined for long after her latest setback. 

Newcastle United Women: Laura Wareham, Maisie Cole, Sharna Wilkinson (Ellen Packham 62), Courtney Lock (c), Megan McKenzie, Georgia Gibson (Courtney Stewart 87), Rhiannon Gray, Beth Guy, Jess Foster, Anna Soulsby (Imogen Longcake 82), Katie Barker

Subs not used: None

Photograph courtesy of Colin Lock/@Tyneside_NUWFC