Shields kick off season with victory

NORTH EAST WOMEN’S LG PREMIER DIVISION

LAST season’s unbeaten northern champions South Shields kicked off their campaign with an impressive 4-0 victory at Rotherham United.

The visitors made a great start when, after only four minutes, Elizabeth Fraser scored with a powerful 25-yard drive.

Former Newcastle winger Dannika Purdham - on her league debut for South Shields - added a second 20 minutes later, neatly finishing from just inside the box.

Five minutes after the restart it was 3-0 when Paige Lester latched on to Codie Nicholls’ through ball.

Purdham, back after two years out through injury, then completed the scoring.

Her second with 10 minutes left rounded off a superb display by Shields in their first match in the Premier League.

Tynedale made it two wins from two as they beat visitors York City 3-2.

Megan Watson put the hosts in front with a calm finish, chipping the goalkeeper after latching on to a through ball.

A good run and finish by Christine Murray doubled their advantage but York hit back through Sara Renfrew.

Natasha Wilson restored the two-goal cushion with a fantastic free-kick 20 yards out but Ellie Sutton set up a tense ending.

Last season’s runners-up Durham Cestria opened their league season with a comfortable 9-0 victory at Wallsend BCL.

A second-half demolition after Molly Holder’s first-period strike saw Jess Holder, Michelle Brogden, Sophie Hodgson, Chloe Ryan and Georgia Richardson all on target, Lauren Robson bagging a hat-trick.

Tynedale make the trip to South Shields on Sunday while Durham Cestria host current leaders Harrogate Town, who have a 100% record after their opening three matches.

Wallsend BCL entertain Rotherham United.