Last weekend's postponed league clash against Halifax Women meant Becky Langley's team started the new campaign with a cup tie against fellow Northern Premier Division side Burnley, and it was an action-packed encounter.

Bridget Galloway's first-half penalty was cancelled out by Millie Ravening's second-half equaliser, meaning the teams would have to be separated in extra time.

Galloway got her second before Leah Embley restored parity once more, but Becky Ferguson's late strike ensured penalties were avoided and the Magpies progressed to the next round.

Newcastle started the brighter of the two sides, controlling possession on the Kingston Park pitch, and were awarded a penalty with just 11 minutes on the clock when Kacie Elson was taken down in the box. Galloway stepped up and dispatched the spot-kick, putting Langley's side in the driving seat.

Both sides had half-chances following the opener, but both goalkeepers eased the pressure on their respective defences.

As half time approached, Galloway pinched the ball in a dangerous area before laying the ball to Cara Milne-Redhead, but the midfielder's cross failed to trouble the visitors.

With Burnley's first attack of the second period, they were level, as Ravening converted a header at the back post. The visitors then grew in confidence and continued to search for their second goal.

Alethea Paul struck a half-volley narrowly wide of Grace Donnelly's goal just minutes before Elson was forced to hook the ball off the line after Rhema Lord-Mears' dangerous shot.

Newcastle had the next big chance of the fixture when Charlotte Potts connected with a header from Emma Kelly's corner, but it went a whisker wide.

Hannah Greenwood and substitute Georgia Gibson were next to try their luck, to no avail, as the Magpies applied further pressure in the latter stages.

Extra time was needed, and just three minutes after the restart, United had the lead once more. Galloway shrugged off the challenge of a defender and kept her cool, rolling the ball into the bottom corner past a helpless Kirstie Levell.

Just two minutes into the second half of extra time, Burnley equalised once more, through Embley, setting up a tense finale where penalties could have been required.

Both sides threw everything at it, but it was the Magpies, who introduced young forward Ferguson at the start of the second period of extra time, who had the final say.

With just two minutes to go in the additional half-hour, Ferguson broke beyond the Clarets' defence and drilled the ball into the far corner, seemingly guaranteeing the win.

But it wasn't until a remarkable last-gasp save from Donnelly that Newcastle's progression was confirmed, and the final whistle prompted jubilant celebrations at Kingston Park. It was the ideal start for the Magpies as they lifted the curtain on their first season as a tier-three outfit.

Newcastle United Women: Grace Donnelly, Olivia Watt (Naomi Bedeau 86), Charlotte Potts, Jodie Bartle, Erin Nelson (Tyler Dodds 62), Cara Milne-Redhead (Georgia Gibson 62), Hannah Greenwood, Kacie Elson, Amber-Keegan Stobbs (c) (Becky Ferguson 106), Emma Kelly, Bridget Galloway

Subs not used: Anna Soulsby

Report by Joseph Nelson

Photograph courtesy of Colin Lock