The Magpies' number 21 was turning out for the club's development side just two seasons ago, but is now putting in a Player of the Match performance in the Barclays Women's Championship.

Her goal at the weekend was her first at that level, while she also assisted United's opening goal of the game for Amy Andrews.

United made it seven points from a possible nine after beating Pompey, with McQuade admitting it was her best all-round display of this fledgling campaign.

"I've been coming off the pitch pleased with my performances," McQuade admitted post-match. "Especially out of possession, I've been doing a lot of work but in terms of with the ball, I felt like this is the best I've played all season."

The 22-year-old finished as the club's third top scorer across all competitions last season and her eyes lit up as Isabella Sibley picked her out at the back post in the second half at Westleigh Park.

Sibley's cross was originally aimed for Katie Barker, but McQuade was secretly delighted to see her team-mate miss her initial effort.

"I'm just buzzing, to be honest," she said. "I saw Katie in front of me and thought she would flick the ball in.

"So deep down I was buzzing when she didn't because then I just had to score into an empty net."

Playing in the same team as more experienced heads like Rachel Furness, Amber-Keegan Stobbs and Demi Stokes is something which has helped McQuade improve her out-of-possession work.

With this only McQuade's second season as a full-time footballer, she's certainly not afraid to learn - and loves to express herself once she crosses the white line.

"Obviously, having gone up a league there will be games where I don't get as much of the ball," she admitted.

"I've worked on my out-of-possession, but a lot of it has just come from making mistakes.

"Having experienced players around me has helped and knowing where to be on the pitch has been a big help."

United are one of three teams to have conceded just one goal this season, despite having all-new faces in their backline for yesterday's win.

McQuade knows that keeping it tight at the back is key to success in this league and was visibly delighted to be part of a resolute side who are defending from the front under Becky Langley.

"We’ve picked up another win and a clean sheet which is always the aim," the playmaker said.

"I think we dominated the ball and knew with the weather that we had to try and keep it on the floor and that was our blueprint to getting the win and a clean sheet."