United ended the season sixth in WSL2 following the defeat at Gateshead International Stadium.

On what was an emotional day on Tyneside after United midfielder Molly Pike announced her retirement from football for personal reasons, there was a feeling of togetherness at the stadium.

Tanya Oxtoby, who was suspended for this game, made one change by bringing in Oona Sevenius for Freya Gregory.

On a red-hot day, it was United who came out firing in the first half with a long ball from Jemma Purfield picking out Jordan Nobbs on the run, but her header over Catriona Sheppard dropped just wide.

The game dipped in intensity levels after that chance, but the next opening fell to the Lasses, with Beth Lumsden's ball into the box recycled by Emily Murphy at the back post for Morgan Gautrat to attempt a volley which fell easily into the arms of Sheppard.

While Newcastle were looking the more threatening side, it was former Newcastle midfielder Amber Stobbs who received a bouncing ball from Michaela Foster before taking a touch inside Aoife Mannion into the box and lobbing Anna Tamminen.

A very low-key second half saw both sides struggle to pick up the tempo, with the away side happy with their solitary goal, while United found it difficult to create any meaningful openings - United's best chance being a Lumsden strike outside the box, which gently rolled past the post.

However, Durham were almost gifted a golden opportunity to extend their lead after Mollie Lambert robbed Deanna Cooper of possession and burst forward from the halfway line into United's box, but the number eight failed to steady herself and blazed high and wide over the bar.

After United were unable to clear a Durham corner, they switched off and left Foster unmarked on the penalty spot; however, her guided header sailed over Tamminen's crossbar.

In a game lacking in chances and quality, Demi Stokes picked out substitute Emilia Larsson, who had space in the box and saw the ball bounce in front of her but smashed a wild half volley over the bar.

Newcastle United Women: Anna Tamminen, Demi Stokes (c), Jordan Nobbs, Jemma Purfield, Morgan Gautrat (Lois Joel 66), Emma Kelly, Deanna Cooper, Oona Sevenius (Freya Gregory 54), Aoife Mannion, Beth Lumsden, Emily Murphy (Emilia Larsson 54)

Subs not used: Hannah Hawkins, Shania Hayles, Małgorzata Grec, Ashanti Akpan, Jorja Fox, Abbie Richardson