The Barclays Women’s Super League 2 returned with a bang in Game Week 2, delivering goals, comebacks and plenty of drama.
Newcastle, Wolves, Sunderland and Leicester all secured victories, with Wolves producing a catalogue of stunning strikes to claim their first-ever BWSL2 win. Meanwhile, Bristol City, Sheffield United and Durham remain without a point after two games.
At the other end of the table, Sunderland, Leicester and Newcastle have all made perfect starts, with three sides sitting on six points from their opening two fixtures.
The Headlines
- The Magpies outfly the Robins
- Stalemate in Southampton
- All about Elise Hughes
- Comeback Complete at the City ground
- Three of the best for Wolves
- Leicester Make it Two in Two
The Magpies outfly the Robins
Having controlled proceedings against Wolves in a comfortable opening-day victory, Newcastle United headed into their clash with Bristol City looking to continue their impressive start. Meanwhile, the Robins were searching for a response following a disappointing defeat to Sunderland. Saturday’s only fixture proved to be a much evener affair with both sides sharing 50% possession and registering a similar number of shots.
Newcastle threatened throughout the game on the right side with Beth Lumsden nearly opening the scoring in the first half, but for a good save by Lauren Brzykcy. The English winger caused Bristol City problems all game, with the highest number of shots (3) and the most touches in the opposition box (11). Her combination with right back Rachel McLaughlan was Newcastle’s main source for chance as the right back created four chances.
However, it was the left side that created the game’s only goal with Martha Thomas combining to create space on the edge of the box. Her strike cannoned of the post straight into the path of Kathleen McGovern, who finished to make it 1-0.
Newcastle survived a late scare when a short free kick routine found Gemma Lawley inside the penalty area but despite her composed finish was stopped by the linesman’s flag as they defender had wandered offside, allowing Newcastle to keep their second clean sheet of the season.
Newcastle head coach Tanya Oxtoby expressed her delight with her side’s performance, highlighting the work put in since the beginning of pre-season. “I’m pleased for the players, they’ve put in so much hard work since the start of pre-season and they’re starting to reap the rewards.”
Despite the defeat, Bristol City manager Charlotte Healy was also pleased with aspects of her team’s display and praised their approach against a strong Newcastle side. “I thought our performance was really good today. We were everything I wanted us to be, we were brave, created a lot of chances, had some big chances and were superb in the first half.”
Stalemate in Southampton
Southampton were unable to continue their winning ways as they welcomed Ipswich Town to the Silverlake Stadium. Both sides arrived on the south coast unbeaten in the opening two games of the Barclays Women’s Super League 2 season, with Southampton having defeated Durham and Ipswich playing out a draw with Nottingham Forest.
The Saints controlled possession with 60% and had 23 shots compared to Ipswich’s 6, but despite all of Southampton’s pushing they were never able to break the deadlock. Mary Bashford came the closest for the hosts on two occasions forcing a fine save from Lysianne Proulx, who made four saves, and having a strike deflect just past the post.
Bashford was the liveliest Southampton attacker, having created the most chances (3), had the most shots (5) and had the most touches in the opposition box with six.
Despite not being able to get the three points, Southampton secure their second consecutive clean sheet, and both sides remain unbeaten going into game week 3.
Southampton full-back Megan Collett acknowledged the frustration of dropping points despite her side’s dominance but insisted there were plenty of positives to take from the performance. “It says a lot that we are frustrated, really. We dominated for large parts of the game, but it is a big learning curve for us. When we are on top for moments, how do we score goals? And how do we come away with the three points? But, overall, a good performance.”
Ipswich Town manager David Wright was delighted with his side’s resilience and viewed the point as a significant result against a strong Southampton team. “It is a really good point. They’re a good team with a lot of attacking players, in terms of pace and power. To come here, keep a clean sheet and get a point, we will look back on this and see this as a very positive point.”
All about Elise Hughes
Sunderland continued their fine form and retained top spot at the start of the BWSL2 season with a dramatic victory over newcomers Burnley, who are still searching for their first win ever in the BSWSL 2. Last week, Sunderland relied on Katy Watson’s brilliance to find the net against Bristol City, but this time around, the Black Cats were handed the opening goal.
An awkward back pass to Kirstie Levell, in the Burnley goal, and a poor first touch meant that the goalkeeper was dispossessed by Elise Hughes, and the striker got the reward for her pressing by being able to tap into an empty net to make it 1-0.
Not long later, Burnley were handed an equaliser with a set piece causing some confusion in the Sunderland penalty area. The ball deflected off the goalscorer, Elise Hughes and into the back of the net, bringing the forward from hero to zero. But in the 98th minute she became the hero once more, as she pounced on a ball into the penalty area and ensured Sunderland remain rooted in top spot.
Elise Hughes had 2 goals, 1 own goal, but also registered the most shots with four, seven touched in the opposition box, with 100% dribbling and cross completion on her second appearance for the club following her move from Crystal Palace in the summer. Captain Rhianon Roberts was excellent again, too, as she won 86% of her ground duels while having five tackles, one block, two clearances, two interceptions, and two recoveries.
Following the dramatic victory, Hughes praised the Sunderland squad and staff for helping her settle into life at the club so quickly. “Life up north has been really fun. We had a long pre-season and that’s helped me gel with the girls, but a lot of credit to the girls and the staff, because it feels like I’ve been here for ages, and that’s a compliment to them.”
Despite the defeat, experienced Burnley striker Christie Murray was proud of her teammates and their effort throughout the game, while admitting the late loss was difficult to take. “We gave it everything. We’ve had injuries, but I am so proud of everybody. They gave everything, and to just narrowly miss out on a point in the game today, obviously really disappointed.”
Comeback Complete at the City Ground
Both sides came into the game searching for their first win of the season after opening-day draws, but both left the City Ground still waiting for that elusive victory. However, the 2-2 draw means Nottingham Forest and Watford remain unbeaten after two games, with the Hornets continuing their return to BWSL2.
It was Watford that made the brighter start and went ahead early, with Zara bailey scoring her first Watford goal since her arrival from Crystal palace in the summer. The Hornets soon doubled their lead with another header after a perfectly timed run from Saoirse Noonan.
Nottingham Forest kept their hopes of a comeback alive when Alana Murphy dispossessed Anna Filbey from a goal kick and fired low passed Safia Middleton-Patel. Murphy netted her second of the campaign as the young Australian midfielder continues to impress. She also created the most chances (4), completed the most dribbles (2) and won 11 ground duels. The comeback was complete early in the second half as Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah found space on the left wing and her finish was too powerful for the Watford goalkeeper. Boye-Hlorkah was key to Nottingham Forest’s comeback and nearly got them the win as she registered the most touched in the opposition box (13) and had the most shots (13).
Boye-Hlorkah admitted afterwards that Forest were frustrated not to turn their comeback into a victory, particularly given the number of chances they created. “It is frustrating to take a point. I never like a draw, it feels like a loss to me, especially with the amount of chances we did have, I did have. It’s disappointing, but we have to take the positives and find the things we need to improve.”
Watford goalscorer Saoirse Noonan praised the collective effort from the Hornets, particularly the defensive work required to hold on for a point. “What a battle. The amount of goal-line clearances from the girls and the shift from everyone was absolutely phenomenal.”
Three of the Best for Wolves
Wolves welcomed Sheffield United to a game between two sides searching for their first win of the BWSL2 campaign, following challenging opening-day fixtures against Newcastle and Leicester respectively. Wolves produced a catalogue of excellent goals to secure all three points and, in the process, claim their first-ever victory in the league.
Amber Hughes opened the scoring early in the second half with an excellent strike from outside the box into the top corner. The type of strike that would usually guarantee you Goal of the Month and Wolves’ first ever goal at BWSL 2. Not long later Amy Sims produced an effort to rival Hughes’ as she connected with a volley perfectly and had too much power for Sian Rogers in the Sheffield United goal.
The goal was the cherry on top of Amy Sims’ individual performance as the winger had 3 passes into the final third, won 75% of her ground duels, and notched 12 defensive contributions.
Mollie Rouse made it interesting moments later when she met Emily Orman’s punch with a half volley into the back of the net to half the deficit. But Wolves confirmed all three points with a wonderful counterattack converted by Yana Daniels to secure Wolves’ first-ever win in BWSL 2.
Wolves manager Dan McNamara was delighted with his side’s performance and praised the commitment shown throughout the historic victory. “I’m just proud of the girls. From the first whistle we competed. I’m just so proud, they’re committed to the challenge, and we have bags of quality.”
Sheffield United head coach Stephen Healy expressed his frustration with what he felt was an inconsistency in the officiating, particularly surrounding Wolves’ second goal “Consistency is the frustrating part for us as a club. Last week I came away [thinking a] blatant penalty should’ve gone to us, and then this week there’s a stoppage in the first half for them but not in the second half for us.”
Leicester Make It Two in Two
Leicester City welcomed Durham to the King Power Stadium as the Foxes looked to continue their push to return to the BWSL, fresh from an opening-day victory over Sheffield United. Durham, meanwhile, were searching for their first win of the season after struggling to deal with set pieces in their opening-day defeat to Southampton. It was always set to be a difficult task against a Leicester side full of attacking quality, and ultimately, the Foxes’ quality shone through as they secured back-to-back victories.
The Foxes dominated the ball, having 60% possession and 30 touches in the Durham box. But it was the visitors, who opened the scoring against the run of play with Beth Hepple, on her 300th Durham appearance. Leicester soon bounced back though, with Sam Tierney combining well with Paulina Nystrom as she netted her first goal for the club.
The Finnish strike was a thorn in the Durham backline having the most touches in the Durham penalty area with eight, and taking the most shots with four, as well as registering a goal and assist.
Jessica Ziu put the Foxes ahead in first half stoppage time, connecting to a Missy Goodwin cross. Minutes later, Asmita Ale extended the lead to three with a stunning right footed effort into the top corner. The left back had the most defensive contributions (12) and the most touches (88).
Durham kept the game interesting, however, with Jade Pennock pouncing on a rebound, but with Durham chasing they were caught out defensively and Sarah Wilson converted into her own net to make it 4-2.
Nystrom was delighted with the way Leicester responded after falling behind and praised the character shown by the team to turn the game around. “It was a good win, and always special when you are one goal down in the beginning and turn it around.”
Durham goalscorer Jade Pennock admitted her side were disappointed to leave the King Power empty-handed after twice putting themselves in a position to get back into the game. “We are disappointed coming away with nothing. We started well, the game got away from us, then we got back into the game, but for us we are just disappointed.”
