United had scored 12 times without reply in their previous two fixtures, but had to dig deep for their latest victory as they conceded more than one goal in a game for the first time this season. 

The home side took the lead inside the second minute through Bianca Owens, who burst into the penalty area before firing past Grace Donnelly.

Bethany Guy equalised with a glorious 30-yard strike - her second goal in her last two FA Women's National League North Division One games - but Norton restored their advantage just a minute later as Sophie Tierney headed past Donnelly.

The breakneck start to the match continued as Newcastle levelled again in the 18th minute, with leading scorer Katie Barker netting from close range after a great run and pull back from Lauren Robson.

There were no further goals before half time and the first part of the second half was also tight, but United were awarded a penalty in the 69th minute when Georgia Gibson was felled in the box and Rachel Lee coolly converted to give her side the least for the first time in the encounter. 

And three minutes later, Gibson made sure of the three points, slotting home after racing onto a pass from teenager Keira Skelton, who was making her first league start for the Lady Magpies. 

Manager Becky Langley said her team had shown "great character" to come out on top, adding: "We have some very visible female role-models in this squad. Very proud. We go again next week."

Next Sunday sees United - who remain third in the table after this win - take on York City Ladies in the third qualifying round of the Vitality Women's FA Cup. 

Newcastle United Women: Grace Donnelly, Brooke Cochrane (c), Bethany Guy, Olivia Watt, Ellen Packham, Katie Barker (Rebecca Ferguson 87), Georgia Gibson, Lauren Robson, Georgina Spraggon (Lois Greenslade 72), Keira Skelton, Rachel Lee

Subs not used: Jess Spark, Orla Callaghan, Rosie Missen

Photograph courtesy of Colin Lock/@Tyneside_NUWFC