Owens opened the scoring in the match after entering the fray early on due to an injury to Ellie Dobson and hammered home from just inside the box to put the Lady Magpies ahead in the FA Women's National League Division One North encounter.

Further goals from Katie Barker and Beth Guy ensured Becky Langley's side brought three points back to Tyneside, something Owens says is more important to her than getting off the mark for United.

"Really good," was her response when asked how it felt to find the net for the first time at the club.

"I was happier to just get three points in my first game, but it's definitely nice to get off the mark early on."

Following Owens' strike, which gave Newcastle a one-goal lead at the break, the second half was full of action.

Barker's effort made it 2-0 to United, before the number nine was dismissed for a second yellow card. Despite being one player down, the Lady Magpies managed to notch a third through Guy's header and rebuffed Stockport's attempts to get back level.

"It was a tough game, especially going down to ten away from home," said Owens. "But the girls were brilliant and really dug in to see it through."

The win over Stockport ensured that Newcastle continued their great league form into the new year. As the end of the season starts to come into view, Bianca believes that the Lady Magpies mustn't look too far ahead.

"As I say, it's nice to get off the mark early and not worry about when that first goal will come," she said. "But winning games is definitely more important to me, so I will just take it one game at a time.

"Three points, a goal and an assist. I think I'll remember that one for a while."

Photograph courtesy of Colin Lock/@Tyneside_NUWFC