The Lady Magpies saw out a hard-fought triumph in the North West to continue their strong FA Women's National League Division One North form into the new year.
Following the match, manager Langley praised the way her side performed following the festive break.
“It's so important to win the first game of 2023," she said. "It's a fresh year, a fresh start and we start as we mean to go on. We focus on taking it one game at a time, but nothing feels better than getting back on the bus with three points.
"After having to make the early change with Ellie Dobson's injury, Bianca Owens came on for her debut and did really well. The girls had to quickly adapt to a new shape and massive credit to them."
New signing Owens opened the scoring on the half-hour mark, setting United on the way to victory, but it wasn't just the striker's finishing which impressed her new manager.
"Bianca's debut goal comes as no surprise," said Langley. "She knows where the back of the net is, that's for sure.
"Her overall play was good (as well) - her hold-up play, her runs in behind. Her understanding of our pressing was really good too, so it was special to see her score that goal on her debut."
In the second half, after going 2-0 up courtesy of a Katie Barker goal, the Newcastle Women number nine was dismissed for a second yellow card.
Newcastle scored once more, through Beth Guy, and held out for a narrow 3-2 victory, prompting Langley to applaud the determination and heart of her players.
"I think the resilience showed that everyone was willing to put their body on the line for the team," she said. "The organisation from Beth Guy and Georgia Gibson was exceptional to help us see the match out."
Ahead of an important year, the Newcastle Women boss added her targets for her side between now and the end of the season.
She said: "Our targets now are to keep as many clean sheets as possible and take it one game at a time, trying to ensure that we pick up three points every match.
"We've got some tough tests but getting those injured players back and fit is a priority."
Photograph courtesy of Colin Lock/@Tyneside_NUWFC
