Bartle suffered a serious back injury earlier in the season, which threatened to cut her first season with United short. However, hard work and determination behind the scenes has seen her pull on a black and white shirt once again this term.

The former Celtic Women and Coventry United Women player was only expecting to be named in the matchday squad for the trip to the Southerns Stadium last Sunday, but head coach Becky Langley decided to throw Bartle in at the deep end and she looked like she'd never been away.

"It was so good, I've been chomping at the bit to get back out," Bartle told newcastleunited.com after her return in a 0-0 draw in the penultimate match of the campaign.

"I was buzzing when Becky told me I was starting and I was straight on the phone to my mum and dad to let them know.

"So they changed their plans to make sure they came and watched me. To be honest, I didn't expect to start but I had a suspicion I might be in the squad, but to get a start was awesome."

Despite not playing a match for 196 days, the United faithful never forgot about Bartle - who was often found on co-commentary duties for NUFC TV during her recovery period - and were quick to chant her name during the game on Sunday.

While Bartle remained positive throughout her rehab, she did wonder if she would play again this term following her back injury so overcoming that hurdle made her return just that bit sweeter.

"I've said from the very start that the fanbase is magnificent," Bartle admitted.

"I've been out for that long, haven't been out on a pitch and I've been doing co-commentary but still, when I stepped out onto the pitch the fans were singing my name which was an absolutely unreal feeling.

"When you've been out for so long, I don't think it's the physical side of things, it's more the mental aspect that you take for granted.

"I thought I might have been back a little bit earlier but I don't think we realised how severe my injury was.

"I lost all the feeling in my left leg and even after my operation I still didn't have it back, which took a long time and I think that's what has held me back; the power in my left leg just wasn't there.

"There were some moments in my mind that I wasn't going to be back before the end of the season but I'm here, I've done it and I'm happy."