Sunderland Women began their 2026-27 Barclays Women's Super League 2 campaign with a 4-1 victory over Bristol City Women on Sunday at Eppleton.
Bristol City took an early lead when Lotta Lindström scored after 14 minutes, tapping in Katie Robinson's cross into the bottom left corner. Sunderland responded quickly, with Rhiannon Roberts levelling the score after 27 minutes when she flicked in Kitching's corner.
The hosts went ahead before half time when Katie Kitching slotted past Bristol City goalkeeper Fran Bentley at the back post after receiving Watson's low cross. Katy Watson then added a third goal with just over 10 minutes remaining, firing into the bottom left corner from the right side of the area.
Watson completed the rout six minutes later when Atlanta Primus found her in space, and the winger drove into the area to score her second of the match.
New signings make winning debut
Head Coach Mel Reay fielded six new signings in the starting 11. Fran Stenson, Tara Bourne, Atlanta Primus, Kassandra Missipo, Sanni Franssi and Elise Hughes all made their Sunderland debuts. Hughes had forced an early save from the Bristol City goalkeeper with a long-range strike inside the first three minutes.
Next fixture
Sunderland Women travel to Turf Moor next weekend to face Burnley, with kick-off at 2pm.
