NEWCASTLE United Women's team finished off a remarkable year by lifting the first ever YES International Women's Cup in their final competitive game of the season.

All the teams gathered at Newcastle Blue Star's Wheatsheaf Ground prior to kick-off for the official launch of the tournament where they were welcomed by Newcastle's Steel Band.

Newcastle and Barcelona kicked off the first game of the weekend, with Ruth Sutcliffe opening the scoring on 30 minutes for the Magpies.

Barcelona came back into the game in the second half with Marata Yanez Pendas bringing the Spaniards back into it.

In the second game of the day, Liverpool beat Gateshead 3-0 thanks to goals from Claire Jenkins (2) and Shelley Jones.

Gateshead, however, regained their dignity with a 3-2 win over Barcelona in the final game of the day.

Newcastle or Gateshead Academy needed to win their final fixture on the Sunday to secure the trophy, as a draw would have seen Barcelona FC win the cup on goal difference.

After taking an early lead from the penalty spot, the cup looked like it was making the short journey across the Tyne, but a Kelly Ridley strike following a Newcastle set play brought the Magpies level and also gave the watching Barca players some hope.

The game was very close until ten minutes from time when the Toon`s Ruth Sutcliffe powered home a header to give her side a valuable lead and snatch the trophy back from the Spanish side.