Chorley Women went 2-0 up through Emma Hickson and Laura Walker, and missed a penalty before Kacie Elson sparked hopes of a late United comeback, but despite six minutes of added time, the Lady Magpies' title hopes suffered a blow, with home goalkeeper Emma Bradley making a string of saves.

Second-placed Liverpool Feds, who won 2-0 at Bradford City Women, have two games in hand on Newcastle - but Becky Langley's side will just focus on winning their final two matches, including their clash with Barnsley Women at St. James' Park on Sunday, 1st May.

Bradley made an early save from Erin Nelson before Chorley took the lead in the 28th minute as Hickson headed home from Walker's free kick.

At the beginning of the second half, Katie Barker hit the woodwork twice in a minute - but in the 53rd minute, Chorley doubled their lead through Walker. Six minutes later, the hosts were awarded a spot-kick, but that was blazed over the bar by Walker and Newcastle kept on battling, with Georgia Gibson seeing a shot saved before Elson pulled one back, slotting home from substitute Sharna Wilkinson's set piece delivery. 

Barker was denied again late on, this time by Bradley, but United couldn't force an equaliser and will now hope to get back to winning ways against Alnwick Town Ladies on Tuesday night. 

Newcastle United Women: Grace Donnelly, Brooke Cochrane (c), Beth Guy, Olivia Watt, Ellen Packham, Lauren Robson (Lois Greenslade 60), Katie Barker, Georgia Gibson, Kacie Elson, Erin Nelson (Sharna Wilkinson 60), Keira Skelton

Subs not used: Jane Harland, Georgina Spraggon, Becky Ferguson

Photograph courtesy of Colin Lock/@Tyneside_NUWFC