United raced into an early first-half lead against London City Lionesses thanks to summer signing Shania Hayles' first goal for the club but were pegged back by Sweden international Kosovare Asllani.

Despite relinquishing their lead, the Magpies created several openings throughout the game and after back-to-back promotions, Langley's side certainly didn't look out of place at Hayes Lane.

Langley recognised it would be a tough game to start the season with, but had her side prepared after pre-season clashes against Women's Super League opposition.

"We'll take a good point on the road," Langley admitted in the baking hot Bromley sun.

"It was a competitive game and a solid performance from ourselves and gives us a really strong platform to build upon.

"We played good opposition in pre-season such as Manchester United, Everton, AC Milan and Glasgow City and they were all tough games, but they prepared us for today."

There was a 1,781-strong league record crowd for London City at Hayes Lane, with a large chunk of those fans being in black and white.

"The fans are absolutely phenomenal," Langley said. "They give us energy when we walk out on the pitch and see them in their numbers and it means a lot.

"We have huge respect for our fans who always come out in their black and white shirts to support us."

After losing just once in the league last season, it's no wonder United kept pushing for all three points, even away from home - and Langley admitted she'd have loved to pick up a first win of the new campaign.

"The competitive edge in me wanted all three points, but at the same time, given the context, I think it's a good point," she added.

"We went toe-to-toe against one another and we've managed to level ourselves up from last season and picked up a big point."

Langley handed starts to six new arrivals, with a further three coming off the bench to make their debuts, but it was Hayles who stole the headlines for United.

The former Bristol City Women forward took 20 minutes to open her account for the Lasses and Langley was delighted by her start.

"I'm buzzing for Shania," Langley told newcastleunited.com. "We know that quality she's got, she showed it when at Bristol City in the Championship.

"Her level of composure to finish her chance after a nice through ball from Jasmine McQuade was excellent to get us ahead in the game."