Derby rivals get promotion bids off in style as new-look Newcastle make electric start

The two derby rivals are among the favourites for promotion this campaign after revolutionary summers for both clubs. Sunderland were taken over by Bay Collective while Newcastle outlined their ambitions by recruiting 11 new players.

Along with the likes of Bristol City and Southampton, they are heavily tipped to be challenging at the top this season. With just one automatic promotion place on offer for the champions, it will be a tough test for everyone as they look to avoid the play-offs.

Newcastle have had a strong pre-season, with wins over the likes of Manchester United and Burnley, and they started their season for real in fine fashion by beating Wolves 2-0 at Gateshead International Stadium.

The Magpies made an electric start with goals in the first 18 minutes from Beth Lumsden and a Georgia Marshall own goal. Lumsden scored the opener after fine approach play from forward Kathleen McGovern, who dissected the Wolves defence for her teammate to pop the ball into an empty net past the stranded Wolves goalkeeper.

Marshall then unfortunately put the home side in control, putting into her own net after a sliding effort from Mollie Lambert, who could look to claim the goal.

Newcastle weren't able to add to the scoresheet in the second period but kept a clean sheet at the other end to give them an opening day victory.

That was matched by Mel Reay's Sunderland, who came from a goal behind to smash Bristol City 4-1. It was 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 leveller. After the break, Kitching put Sunderland ahead before a late double by Katy Watson ensured a fine three points.

Durham Women had a tougher opening day, however. After a difficult summer themselves, which saw them on the brink of going out of business before being rescued by businessman and South Shields chairman Geoff Thompson, they lost 3-1 at home to Southampton.

Captain Sarah Wilson grabbed a late consolation after the Saints had comfortably worked their way into a three-goal advantage.

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