Barclays WSL2 
Newcastle United made it five wins from five in Barclays WSL2 with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Durham Women at Maiden Castle – their first win over the Wildcats since joining the league in 2024.
Hildur Antonsdóttir's first goal for the club put Newcastle ahead after a dominant first half, reacting quickest to fire home after Cat Sheppard could only palm a dangerous Jemma Purfield corner into the six yard area. Jordan Nobbs doubled the lead after the break, curling beyond the diving Sheppard after Martha Thomas had been denied one-on-one, before Thomas went on to seal the points with three minutes remaining, sweeping home Beth Lumsden's low cross for her fifth of the season. Durham's best chance fell to Lauren Briggs, who was denied by a fine low save from Anna Tamminen.
Sunderland made it four wins from five with a 3-1 victory over Leicester City at Eppleton. Katie Kitching gave the Lasses the lead in style on ten minutes, pouncing on a loose pass from Katie Keane before lobbing the goalkeeper from fully 30 yards. Leicester levelled through Asmita Ale, who dinked over Fran Stenson after Poppy Pritchard's shot deflected into her path, but Sunderland restored their lead after the break when Elise Hughes poked home Katy Watson's low cross, and Sanni Franssi secured the win ten minutes later, scooping an effort past the Leicester goalkeeper.
Third placed Ipswich Town continued their fine start with a 2-1 win away to Sheffield United. Megan Hornby opened the scoring just before the hour with a deflected effort from almost 30 yards that looped over Sian Rogers, before Princess Ademiluyi doubled the lead with an excellent strike from distance that found the top corner. The Blades pulled one back through Connie Scofield but Ipswich held firm, with Lysianne Proulx making a fine stoppage time save to make sure of a brilliant three points at Bramall Lane for David Wright's side, who remain unbeaten.
Two second half goals from Tuva Espas earned Nottingham Forest a well deserved 2-0 win over Burnley at the City Ground. Espas had already come close before poking home from close range in first half stoppage time following Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah's turn and shot. She doubled her tally with just over a quarter of the game remaining, powering home after Jackie Burns parried Leticia McKenna's initial effort. Burnley's goalkeeper made several fine saves to keep the score down, but Forest's pressure told as they claimed all three points.
Wolverhampton Wanderers played out a hard fought 2-2 draw against Watford at the SEAH Stadium. Georgia Marshall headed home a Mel Lawley corner to give Wolves the lead on 13 minutes, with Watford equalising on the hour through Poppy Wilson, who converted from close range after a free kick into the box. The Hornets then took the lead in the 68th minute when Phoebie Poole headed over Emily Orman. Wolves were handed a golden opportunity to level when Chloe Williams' shot was blocked by a hand, and substitute Charlotte Greengrass wrapped the resulting penalty home emphatically. Both sides had chances to win it late on, but the points were shared in Telford.
Bristol City secured their first home win of the season with a 2-1 victory over previously unbeaten Southampton. The visitors got off to the perfect start, Ellie Brazil's cutback finding Freya Jupp to fire home inside the opening minute. City responded well, Maria Farrugia forcing a save from Grace Moloney before the break, and the equaliser arrived ten minutes into the second half as captain Emily Syme weaved through the Saints defence before unleashing an effort destined for the top corner, and although Moloney parried, Lotta Lindström was on hand to stroke home. City then found the winner through Sophie Ingle, who took down Esther Morgan's floated cross excellently before firing into the bottom corner. The result lifts Charlotte Healy's side to sixth, taking seven points from their last three games.
Leading goalscorers:
5 - Martha Thomas (Newcastle United);
4 - Elise Hughes (Sunderland);
3 - Amy Andrews (Sheffield United);
3 - Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah (Nottingham Forest);
3 - Rio Hardy (Bristol City);
3 - Amber Hughes (Wolverhampton Wanderers);
* League goals only
