The women's football season has paused for the October international break after five games, with Newcastle United and Sunderland boasting unbeaten records while Durham show signs of improvement.
Newcastle United lead the table
Newcastle United sit at the top of the WSL2 table having won all five of their league games. Speaking after the 3-0 win over Durham last week, manager Tanya Oxtoby made clear her team had worked incredibly hard to show that the results they have achieved are fully deserved.
Jordan Nobbs started her first game of the season against Durham and ran the show, making the major difference in the second half of that local derby. The victory was described as "another one of the firsts we're ticking off this season."
Sunderland close behind
Sunderland are hot on their neighbours' heels but have drawn one game in their unbeaten run. Mel Reay has used her newly-acquired resources well without changing her and the club's philosophy. Elise Hughes has slotted straight into the frontline, scoring four goals in four games, earning a nomination for WSL2's Player of the Month.
Youngsters are also coming through, with Chloe Paxton continuing her breakthrough from last season, joined by Mary Corbyn, Emily Cassop and Katy Watson.
Durham still searching for first win
Durham have yet to win a game, but performances have improved and Willie Kirk is beginning to see signs of what he wants. In their last two games against Manchester United and Newcastle United, they had spells which, with a little luck, could have brought better results.
All three clubs will look forward to the next batch of games following the return of their international players, with cup ties and local derbies before Christmas set to keep things exciting.
