With four minutes of normal time remaining, the game looked to be heading for a draw - which would have given second-placed Liverpool Feds, who are a point behind but have a game in hand on United, a narrow advantage in the race for the league's only promotion spot.

But despite ending the match with ten players, Becky Langley's side claimed what could prove to be a vital victory, with nine games left to play including a potentially pivotal clash with Liverpool Feds at Druid Park in April. 

Newcastle suffered an early blow when key midfielder Rachel Lee was injured inside the opening minute, and was replaced by former Cestria player Erin Nelson after treatment. 

But the Lady Magpies took the lead in the 24th minute when Barker found the run of Kacie Elson, who finished well with the outside of her right boot. 

The hosts levelled shortly before half time, though, as Grace Ayre beat namesake Grace Donnelly, and while there were a handful of half-chances for both sides in the second half, time seemed to be running out for United.

But in the 86th minute, substitute Rosie Missen flicked on Ellen Packham's free kick and top scorer Barker was there to apply the finish and keep the pressure firmly on Liverpool Feds.

Deep into stoppage time, Beth Guy was dismissed for a second bookable offence but Newcastle continue to tick the matches off, knowing that if they can win their final nine games, they will ultimately win the league.

Newcastle United Women: Grace Donnelly, Brooke Cochrane (c), Jane Harland, Bethany Guy, Olivia Watt, Ellen Packham, Katie Barker, Georgia Gibson, Kacie Elson, Lauren Robson (Rosie Missen 84), Rachel Lee (Erin Nelson 4)

Subs not used: Sharna Wilkinson, Becky Ferguson, Georgia Spraggon

Photograph courtesy of Colin Lock/@Tyneside_NUWFC