Becky Langley's side remain four points clear at the top, but the Merseysiders have two games in hand. They took the lead at Druid Park, through Beth Donoghue, but Katie Barker quickly levelled before Beth Guy hit the bar with a second-half spot-kick.

United have three league games remaining while Feds have five, and both teams know there is no margin for error in the run-in after this result.

The hosts almost opened the scoring inside the first 30 seconds as the ball fell to Barker, but she was denied by goalkeeper Rachel Darbyshire.

Donohue put the Feds in front in the 17th minute, following up after Olivia Watt had blocked her lob on the line, but Baker levelled within moments as Watt won a tackle and fed the top scorer, who left three defenders in her wake before drilling home.

Barker and Erin Nelson brought good saves from Darbyshire before the break, and Barker hit the bar. Then, on the hour mark, United were awarded a penalty but Guy's effort clipped the woodwork on its way over. 

There was still time for Darbyshire to make another save to thwart Barker, but a competitive and close affair ended all square.

Newcastle United Women: Grace Donnelly, Brooke Cochrane (c), Bethany Guy, Olivia Watt, Ellen Packham, Katie Barker, Georgia Gibson, Kacie Elson, Lauren Robson (Rosie Missen 75), Keira Skelton, Erin Nelson

Subs not used: Jane Harland, Sharna Wilkinson, Ella Wilson, Rachel Lee

Photograph courtesy of Colin Lock/@Tyneside_NUWFC