Becky Langley's side had the lead within just 90 seconds, when Erin Nelson picked up the ball on the wing, drove inside and fired beyond the Barnsley goalkeeper for her second goal in a black and white shirt.

After ten minutes, Georgia Gibson had the ball in the back of the net again, but it was ruled out for offside as the Lady Magpies dominated the early exchanges, and Katie Barker saw a shot saved well.

But the hosts threatened on the counter, and after 26 minutes, Grace Donnelly produced a brilliant save to preserve the Newcastle Women lead.

Ten minutes later, Barnsley were awarded a penalty, but Donnelly got down well to her right to keep out the spot kick, and the Newcastle number one produced yet another sublime save shortly after to ensure Langley's side went into the break ahead.

The Lady Magpies started the second half in a similar manner to the first, but Nelson's strike flashed just wide of the post.

Just after the hour mark, Barnsley almost had a leveller, but Donnelly once more denied them, saving a goalbound header following a corner.

Barnsley continued to search for an equaliser, but valiant and committed defending from Newcastle Women refuted those efforts.

In the latter stages, Langley's side continued to search for a second goal, and Barker almost had it when she rounded the goalkeeper, only to see her shot go narrowly wide.

But after 76 minutes, Barker made no mistake, racing through on goal and slotting confidently beyond the goalkeeper.

As the game drew to a close, Gibson sealed the three points for the Lady Magpies, scoring from the rebound after Barker's effort was saved by the Barnsley goalkeeper.

Newcastle United Women: Grace Donnelly, Brooke Cochrane (c), Olivia Watt, Jane Harland, Rosie Missen, Lauren Robson (Kacie Elson 46), Rachel Lee (Sharna Wilkinson 89), Bethany Guy, Erin Nelson, Georgia Gibson, Katie Barker

Subs not used: Ellen Packham, Georgina Spraggon, Lois Greenslade

Report by Joseph Nelson

Photograph courtesy of Colin Lock/@Tyneside_NUWFC