Newcastle United Women's promotion failure would be just a 'bump in the road' for the club despite significant investment in the setup in a bid to reach the WSL1.

The Magpies look set to miss out on a play-off place after another draw at the weekend, this time at home against Nottingham Forest. It leaves Tanya Oxtoby's side five points adrift of third-placed Crystal Palace with two games remaining.

This season, the top two in the Championship (WSL2) gain automatic promotion while the third-placed team go into a play-off with the second-bottom side in the top flight. Previously, only one promotion place has been up for grabs but a restructure of the WSL created extra places.

Missing out on promotion will be a blow for United, despite the strong advances and focus they have put into the women's setup over the last couple of years. Last season was Newcastle's first in the Championship where they finished fifth, and it was hoped that they could push for promotion this season.

However, too many draws have...