The Magpies currently find themselves sitting third in the table, only behind the top two via goal difference, and are the only side in the league yet to concede a goal.

Kathleen McGovern's second-half strike was enough to secure all three points against Bristol City on Saturday in what was a determined display from Oxtoby's side at Ashton Gate.

Oxtoby - who took charge of Newcastle in October last year - has had a full pre-season and transfer window to put her stamp on this team, and United now appear to be reaping the rewards.

"I think what has pleased me most when we were in possession was that we were able to solve problems during the game," Oxtoby said. "Whether that was deeper in our build-up, because that just did not happen last season, we were able to tweak things, and the players took everything on board very fluidly. They all executed the plan exceptionally well.

"That is really difficult to play against, and we need to continue to develop that side of our game and make sure that we take a couple more of the clear-cut chances that we create."

It's not just the goals and six points that have delighted Oxtoby, with Newcastle already recording two clean sheets in the WSL2 - half the amount they managed in the whole of the previous campaign.

There is just one new addition to the backline in captain Rachel McLauchlan, but both shutouts have been a full team effort, Oxtoby explained.

"I am buzzing for the whole group because we know that we will create opportunities for ourselves, but we have to make sure we don't give the opposition anything," she said.

"We've done that for two weeks in a row, and that doesn't happen by chance - it's because everyone is switched on and knows their roles and responsibilities."

McGovern's goal came after her fellow Scot Martha Thomas hit the post, and the pair have already struck up an impressive partnership off the pitch.

"I thought the combination and the partnership she's building with Martha and the way those two operate together is really impressive," Oxtoby added.

"They compliment each other really well, so I'm just really pleased to see how they are both playing right now."