Newcastle United Women and Sunderland Ladies both began their WSL2 campaigns with victories, with the derby rivals among the favourites for promotion this season.
Both clubs underwent significant changes over the summer. Sunderland were taken over by Bay Collective, while Newcastle recruited 11 new players. Along with Bristol City and Southampton, they are heavily tipped to challenge at the top, with only one automatic promotion place available for the champions.
Newcastle's electric start
Newcastle beat Wolves 2-0 at Gateshead International Stadium, with goals in the first 18 minutes from Beth Lumsden and a Georgia Marshall own goal. Lumsden scored the opener after approach play from forward Kathleen McGovern, who dissected the Wolves defence for her teammate to tap into an empty net past the stranded goalkeeper.
Marshall then put the home side in control, scoring into her own net after a sliding effort from Mollie Lambert. Newcastle could not add to their tally in the second period but kept a clean sheet to secure an opening day victory.
Sunderland's statement win
Sunderland came from a goal behind to beat Bristol City 4-1, a statement performance against another side predicted to go close to promotion. Lotta Lindstrom gave City an early lead, but Rhiannon Roberts spectacularly converted a Katie Kitching corner for the equaliser.
After the break, Kitching put Sunderland ahead before a late double by Katy Watson sealed a fine three points.
Durham's tough opener
Durham Women had a more difficult start, losing 3-1 at home to Southampton. Captain Sarah Wilson grabbed a late consolation after the Saints had built a three-goal advantage. Durham had been on the brink of going out of business before being rescued by businessman and South Shields chairman Geoff Thompson.
