Southampton Women ran out 4-0 winners over Barclays WSL2 debutants Ipswich Town at St Mary’s Stadium.
The Saints took less than 10 minutes to get the opener, Ellie Brazil advancing into the box from a counter-attack and laying the ball back for Atlanta Primus to strike into the roof of the net.
It was 2-0 by the half-hour mark as Amy Goddard headed home a corner delivered by Tara Bourne, then from another flag-kick in first-half stoppage time, Mary Bashford nodded home the ball from Jess Simpson.
Bashford completed her brace by the hour mark, tucking the ball inside the post after goalkeeper Natalia Negri had parried an effort from Primus.
Enjoying our women’s football news?
Take a look inside the latest issue of Her Goal Magazine, packed with exclusive interviews, player features and in-depth stories from across the women’s game.
Discover more stories, interviews and features from the world of women’s football — including players, teams and posters... loads more of what you’re reading about here.
Also available at TG Jones, WHSmith, Asda, Morrisons and independent newsagents.