Barclays WSL2
Birmingham City launched their 2025-26 Barclays Women’s Super League 2 season in style, securing a commanding
5-1 victory over Bristol City.
The Blues - runners-up in each of the last two seasons - dominated from the outset, applying relentless pressure early on.
Lucy Thomas’ long ball found Lily Crosthwaite, whose pinpoint cross was thwarted by resolute defending. However, Birmingham’s persistence paid off when Rebecca Holloway’s delivery met Simone Magill, who back-heeled the opener with finesse. Six minutes later, Magill doubled her tally, converting another Holloway cross after neat interplay with Veatriki Sarri. Bristol City responded on 18 minutes, Maria Farrugia capitalising on a loose ball to pull one back. Despite chances at both ends, including a near miss from Chelsea Cornet’s header, Birmingham held a 2-1 lead at the break, thanks to Christie Harrison-Murray’s vital goal line clearance. The second half saw Birmingham assert dominance. Harrison-Murray’s interception set up debutant Crosthwaite for a memorable goal, followed by the captain’s stunning strike from distance. Batcheba Louis sealed the rout with a clinical finish on her debut, while late efforts from Louis and Lucy Quinn narrowly missed adding to the scoreline.
Southampton marked their return to WSL2 with a scintillating 4-0 victory over newly promoted Ipswich Town at St Mary’s, watched by nearly 4,000 fans. Manager Simon Parker handed debuts to six players, including Jess Simpson, Ellie Brazil, Michaela McAlonie, Abbie Ferguson, Amy Goddard, and Mary Bashford, who stole the show with a brace. The Saints started brightly, with Brazil causing havoc and setting up McAlonie for an early chance. Captain Atlanta Primus broke the deadlock, firing home after Brazil’s assist, while Goddard headed in from Tara Bourne’s corner to make it 2-0. Bashford’s flicked header in first-half stoppage time extended the lead, and she sealed her brace in the second half, tapping in after a chaotic corner. Southampton’s defence, led by Goddard and substitute Ashanti Akpan, ensured a clean sheet, with Fran Stenson denying former Saint Rianna Dean. The emphatic win signalled Southampton’s intent for the season ahead.
Sunderland delivered a statement of intent in their WSL2 opener, dismantling Sheffield United 4-0 at Bramall Lane. Izzy Atkinson, Rhiannon Roberts, Katie Kitching, and Emily Scarr all found the net in a commanding display. Debutants Hannah Greenwood, Grace Moloney, Roberts, and Atkinson impressed, with Roberts captaining the side. Sunderland started sharply, nearly scoring through Jessica Brown’s dangerous cross. Atkinson opened the scoring with a crisp volley from Katy Watson’s delivery, and Roberts doubled the lead with a towering header from Natasha Fenton’s cross. Kitching’s rifled finish and Scarr’s late strike, both assisted by Fenton, wrapped up a clinical performance. Mel Reay’s side combined attacking flair with defensive solidity, setting a high bar for their WSL2 campaign.
Durham Women began their WSL2 season with a composed 2-0 victory over Portsmouth at Westleigh Park. Despite an early scare when Cat Sheppard tipped Angelina Nixon’s effort over, Durham took control. Grace Ede opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, capitalising on Beth Hepple’s pressing to slot home confidently. Mariana Speckmaier doubled the lead before half time, tapping in after Hannah Blake’s shot from Lauren Briggs’ cross. Portsmouth pushed in the second half but found no way past Durham’s resolute defence, securing a clean sheet and three points for the visitors.
Newcastle United meanwhile started their WSL2 campaign with a hard fought 2-1 win over newly promoted Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. Emily Murphy and debutant Molly Pike scored in the first half, but Kirsty Smith’s second half strike ensured a nervy finish. Murphy headed home Beth Lumsden’s corner early on, and Pike converted Hayles’ cut back to make it 2-0. Forest fought back, with Smith scoring their historic first WSL2 goal from a corner, but Newcastle’s defence, led by captain Deanna Cooper, held firm to secure the points in front of a vocal travelling support.
Charlton Athletic opened their WSL2 season with a 1-0 victory over rivals Crystal Palace at The Valley. A tight first half saw Palace edge possession, with Sophie Whitehouse denying Abbie Larkin and Weerden, while Jodie Hutton spurned Charlton’s best chance. The game turned after the break, with substitutes Keira Flannery and Mary McAteer injecting energy. Emma Bissell’s 55th-minute strike, capitalising on a high press, proved decisive. Despite late chances for Hutton and Lucy Fitzgerald, and a red card for Katie Bradley, Charlton held firm to claim bragging rights in the south London derby.
