Goals either side of half-time from Mari Ward and Lexi Lloyd-Smith were all the Robins needed to pick up all three points at Ashton Gate.

The Robins put on an impressive display at both ends of the pitch as Becky Langley's side struggled to force Fran Bentley into any notable saves.

Newcastle came out of the blocks looking to dominate the ball and their patience was almost immediately rewarded after just seven minutes.

Shania Hayles pounced on a loose ball in City's final third before picking out the onrushing Lois Joel, but the Wales international swept her effort wide from the edge of the area.

After soaking up a lot of pressure from the hosts, United sprung a counter-attack on the Robins just before the half-hour mark. Jasmine McQuade slipped in Beth Lumsden, but the winger's effort from a tough angle sailed wide of the far post.

Despite the game lacking clear-cut opportunities, the home side opened the scoring in the second minute of first-half added time when United failed to sufficiently clear a Bristol City cross and the Robins worked the ball back into the box. It eventually fell to the feet of Ward, who finished into the roof of the net from close range.

Langley made a double substitution at half-time but it did nothing to stop the Robins, who doubled their lead in the 47th minute through Lloyd-Smith when she reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box.

Following on from the goal, the Robins enjoyed the larger share of possession while United looked to get back into the game, but Bentley was continuously well-protected by the home side's back five.

Newcastle were handed a huge lifeline when Sille Struck was shown two yellow cards in the space of three minutes, allowing United to play the final ten minutes with a player advantage.

The Magpies continued to push in the final ten minutes of the second half but City managed to restrict United to long-range efforts, with Amber-Keegan Stobbs coming closest, but her outside-of-the-foot strike went down the throat of Bentley.

Newcastle United Women: Claudia Moan, Liv Watt (Isabella Sibley 45), Deanna Cooper, Charlotte Potts, Demi Stokes, Elysia Boddy, Lois Joel (Emma Kelly 68), Jasmine McQuade (Amber-Keegan Stobbs 45), Amy Andrews (Katie Barker 77), Shania Hayles (Sophie Haywood 77), Beth Lumsden.

Subs not used: Grace Donnelly, Georgia Gibson, Kacie Elson, Hannah Greenwood.