City suffer opening day defeat .

Bristol City suffered a 4-1 defeat at Sunderland in their opening fixture of the WSL2 season.

Lotta Lindström’s debut goal provided City with an early lead but it wasn’t enough as goals from Rhiannon Roberts, Katie Kitching and a brace from Katy Watson saw the home side claim all three points.

Lindström was one of four debutants for Healy’s side alongside Markvardsen, Apostolakis and Aspin who all started.

The Robins host Newcastle at Ashton Gate in their first home fixture of the campaign next Saturday.

City began brightest in the North East, carving out an opener inside just 14 minutes.

Katie Robinson’s inch perfect delivery to the back post was well met by summer recruit Lotta Lindström who made no mistake, tapping in from close range.

Just over ten minutes later, Melanie Ray’s side found a leveller, with Rhiannon Roberts acrobatically turning in a corner off the post.

City looked to find a second through Emily Syme who struck her effort on target moments before the break but it was well dealt with, leaving the contest all square at the break.

Less than five minutes into the second-half it was Sunderland who took the lead, after a well worked move was finished comfortably by Katie Kitching from close range. Upon the 77th minute Katy Watson drilled home Sunderland's third of the afternoon before finding a fourth just five minutes later.

Introductions of Farrugia, Powell and Bissell helped spark some life into Healy’s side but wasn’t enough to find a way back into the game.

The Robins host Newcastle at Ashton Gate next for their first home game of the season Saturday, September 12th.