[Albion](https://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/albion/) opened their WSL season with a 0-0 draw at home to Aston Villa.
So what to make of a first day which showed promise but fell short of the euphoric heights against Everton to open things up a year ago?
Here are five things we saw and heard at the Broadfield Stadium.
### First-day buzz
There felt like a decent level of excitement about this first game. The home contingent in an attendance of 2,219 did their best to keep the songs and chants coming – and it was nice to hear some for individual players. But the league is starting to feel a bit them-and-us in terms of crowd sizes.
### Excitement over Agyemang
Inevitably there was a lot of attention on Michelle Agyemang as she kicked off her second loan as the main attraction rather than the young, little-known substitute. Her shot against the post would have been the fairy tale moment and she was also denied by a superb block in front of goal from Lynn Wilms. But what stood out was how she got about the pitch. Her final act was to nick the ball off Chasity Grant near Albion's goal heading into the 90th minute.
### Blue is (more) the colour
The days of a new purpose-built Albion home near the coast are some way off but they have at least made the Broadfield Stadium look more blue with signage and flags. The pitch looked in good condition but Dario Vidosic said it was too lush, which slowed down the passing game. He will discuss that with club staff but it will be slick and wet soon enough as summer fades away.
### _(Image: PA Wire/John Walton)_
### Shrewd operators
Albion did not have all defensive options available but the presence of Rachel McLauchlan (pictured above) and Maria Olislagers gave them two intelligent players and shrewd users of possession in the full-back berths. They were both involved in chances and build-up and enjoyed a clean sheet in which debutant Moeka Minami and Charlie Rule, usually a full-back, played a big part.
### Big presence
Without making any great saves (other than a few in the warm-up), Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie impressed on her Albion debut. That was on crosses, with the ball at her feet (maybe they can make better use of her longer deliveries) and just as a general presence.