Newcastle United Women overcame the challenge of Norton & Stockton Ancients Ladies on Sunday, winning 4-2 away despite falling behind twice.
The impressive result means the United Women currently sit third in The FA Women's National League Division One North, only three points behind league leaders Leeds, with two games in hand.
Newcastle United Women captain Brooke Cochrane outlined that whilst the weekend's result was brilliant, at times the football on display left a lot to be desired.
She said: "It was a scrappy game. There was definitely not much pretty football, and it wasn't a match that the fans would have enjoyed watching.
"Our performance involved hard work, grit and resilience. We are very proud to have got another important three points."
The Lady Magpies trailed twice in the first half - and twice responded - before scoring a further two goals in the second half which put the result beyond doubt and Cochrane highlighted the importance of the resolve shown by the Newcastle Women's squad.
"For us to come back from behind not once but twice shows great character," said the skipper. "You can't question everyone's work ethic to keep going for the full 90 minutes."
The win for Becky Langley's side followed their 8-0 victory over Cramlington Town Ladies in the Northumberland FA County Cup the previous weekend, and they continue to build momentum every week.
Reacting to the Lady Magpies' recent form, Cochrane reiterated the message that her manager echoes to her squad every week.
"We take every game as it comes. This league is tough, and every match is difficult. If we focus on one match at a time and carry momentum from the previous week into the next, we will hopefully be able to achieve our overarching goal.
"We want to push all of the teams around us until the very end and we can only do this if we continue to work as hard as we are, commit to every game plan, and demand the best out of each other."
The victory over Norton & Stockton Ancients Ladies saw leading scorer Katie Barker net once again. The number nine has been in scintillating form this season, and Cochrane underlined her importance to the team.
"KB has been fantastic this season and for me is the standout player," she said. "It is not just her finishing that is impressive, but also her work rate.
"She never gives up and is willing to make unselfish runs to create space for others. She really isn't someone you want to be up against as a defender!".
The Lady Magpies' next fixture is a to visit York City Ladies in the Vitality Women's FA Cup this Sunday and Cochrane added: "I think we defended well against Norton, but we gave away too many set pieces. York are currently unbeaten so it won't be an easy game.
"However, if we continue to play the way we have been, we'll be hard to break down and have a good chance of getting a good result."
Photograph courtesy of Colin Lock/@Tyneside_NUWFC