Welcome to One Step Away, The Cutback’s WSL2 newsletter covering results, standout performances, talking points and everything else you need to know from around the league.
Four matchweeks in and the early shape of the WSL2 table is beginning to emerge. Newcastle are already four points clear at the top after another emphatic victory, while Ipswich have quietly climbed into third and remain unbeaten thanks in part to Princess Ademiluyi’s goal of the season contender (see below!).
Elsewhere, Sheffield United notched their first victory of the season, and Bristol City continued to search for a way to turn chances into goals.
The Blades get off the mark
Sheffield United finally have their first win of the season and rather significantly, their first victory since March, inspired by an Amy Andrews’ hat-trick.
The Blades were coming off a harrowing 10-1 Subway Players Cup defeat in midweek to Manchester United, but Andrews scored a spectacular goal in that game and carried the confidence into Sunday.
A 4-1 win over Durham was secured by Andrews scoring three goals from four shots on target, but her finishing was not the only impressive part of her performance. She also completed 83% of her passes as the Blades finally found a much-needed attacking spark.
Meanwhile, Durham are looking like relegation is on the cards. Four games, four defeats and 13 goals conceded is perhaps kind to their woeful defending so far this season. They will need a drastic improvement at the back if they are to survive the drop to the National League.
Newcastle outclass Leicester
Newcastle’s perfect start continued in emphatic fashion as they put four past one of their biggest promotion rivals.
The Magpies had already made an impressive start to the season, but this was perhaps their biggest statement yet. Charlotte Wardlaw opened the scoring after just 12 minutes before Martha Thomas took over in the second half, scoring twice in two minutes. Aoife Mannion added a fourth in stoppage time.
The 4-0 win means Newcastle are the only team in WSL2 with a 100% record: four wins from four, 14 goals scored and just two conceded. Their confidence and dominant display allowed for substitutes to be made in the second half, with Jessie Gale and Hanna Németh making their debuts for the club.
For Leicester, however, this was another difficult afternoon. Still dealing with a major injury crisis, the Foxes failed to score for a third consecutive game in all competitions and have now lost their last two league games.
Speaking to club media, Rick Passmoor admitted afterwards that his side were “outbattled and outfought” and that Newcastle “moved the ball quicker, were quicker to close us down and importantly won the duels today.”
He called it “a very tired display” and emphasised the team’s mentality as a reason for their defeat: “[There have been] so many positive signs this season, so we need to keep working on our understanding of the game plan and philosophy.”
With second-placed Sunderland up next, Leicester have another huge test immediately on the horizon.
Bristol City’s continued frustration
After putting five past Watford last weekend, Bristol City travelled to another newly-promoted side in Burnley looking to build some momentum. Instead, they left Turf Moor with just one point after a 0-0 stalemate in which they had 20 total shots.
Rio Hardy, fresh from her hat-trick against Watford, came closest to breaking the deadlock, heading over from close range before seeing another effort cleared off the line. The Robins ultimately couldn’t find the finishing touch, while Burnley showed plenty of defensive resilience to claim their first home point of the season.
For head coach Charlotte Healy, the frustration was obvious. She told the club’s media team she was pleased with the performance but “so disappointed with the result”, pointing to the number and quality of chances her side created.
There was at least one positive: Bristol City kept their first clean sheet of the campaign. The question now, however, is whether their failure to turn dominant performances into consistent points will become a bigger issue as the season develops.
Princess Ademiluyi!
Princess Ademiluyi can be a frustrating watch at times, given her talent-to-output ratio. That wasn’t the case on Sunday.
The Tractor Girls’ number 99 has settled the WSL2 goal of the season conversation in September.
Skip to 3:21 and enjoy.
What, where and when to watch
Next weekend’s north-east derby between Newcastle and Durham has turned into a match between top and bottom. Newcastle have won all four of their games while Durham have lost all four. It looks very one-sided on paper, but Durham will be desperate to finally get their season moving.
Early dark horses Ipswich are still unbeaten and sitting third in the table and will hope to gain three more points with a win over Sheffield United on Sunday.
Burnley are yet to win and travel to Nottingham Forest after a valiant defensive performance earned them a point against Bristol City.
You can watch every single WSL2 match live and for free on YouTube HERE.
Here are the fixtures for Matchweek 4:
Durham vs. Newcastle - Sunday 4th October (12:00 BST)
Nottingham Forest vs. Burnley - Sunday 4th October (14:00 BST)
Sheffield United vs. Ipswich Town - Sunday 4th October (14:00 BST)
Sunderland vs. Leicester City - Sunday 4th October (14:00 BST)
Bristol City vs. Southampton - Sunday 4th October (14:00 BST)
Wolverhampton vs. Watford - Sunday 4th October (14:00 BST)