Five promoted teams won on the opening day of the FA Women’s National League 2025/26 season.
Fulham scored late to beat Cambridge United in Division One South East, with Luton Town triumphing over Dulwich Hamlet.In the Southern Premier Division, AFC Bournemouth put seven past Billericay Town while Real Bedford defeated AFC Wimbledon.
Lastly, Sheffield FC triumphed in a battle of the promoted teams in Division One Midlands.
Newbies Fulham and Luton win
Ellie Olds scored in the 90th minute to hand Fulham a victory on their Tier 4 debut against Cambridge United.
The West London side had gone ahead when Katie Dungate netted Fulham’s first goal in their FA WNL era on 19 minutes.
New signing Kim Farrow brought the U’s level before half-time, before Olds struck at the death to see them claim all three points.
Luton Town won more comfortably as Tasha Fensome netted a penalty to make history for her side, before opening up a gap on Dulwich Hamlet with a second.
Courtnay Ward-Chambers scored on the hour mark to see Luton stretch their lead before Dulwich claimed a late consolation.
Elsewhere in Division One South East, Chatham Town put on a five-star performance to beat AFC Sudbury 5-1 as Queens Park Rangers scored seven unanswered goals at MK Dons.
Norwich City and London Bees each triumphed 4-0, with the Canaries beating Actonians while the Bees beat Chesham United.
Bedford battle back
Real Bedford got off to a perfect start in Tier 3 as they beat AFC Wimbledon at the death in their first game in the Southern Premier Division.
The side have achieved back-to-back promotions and showed they were up for the challenge as Issy Bryant smashed them into the lead on 30 minutes.
Daisy McLachlan responded before the break, but Leyla O’Brien was ready to serve as Bedford’s hero as she slotted home in the 93rd minute.
POTM Issy Bryant’s reaction on todays match 🗣️@BryantIssy #RBFCW pic.twitter.com/JPJRTRhM8H
— Real Bedford Women (@RBFCWomen) August 17, 2025
AFC Bournemouth were in seventh heaven with a 7-0 win over Billericay Town as new signing Sophie Quirk scored and assisted twice each.
Oxford United narrowly defeated Gwalia United 1-0 as Exeter City also picked up a win on the road with a 2-0 triumph over Cheltenham Town.
Plymouth Argyle defeated last season’s second-place side, Hashtag United 3-0, while Lewes and Watford played out a 0-0 draw.
Rugby ruthless in second half
In the Northern Premier Division, Rugby Borough scored six second-half goals for a 6-0 win over Derby County as Burnley beat promoted side Middlesbrough 5-0 at home.
The other promoted team, Loughborough Lightning drew 1-1 with West Bromwich Albion, while Wolverhampton Wanderers beat Liverpool Feds 4-0.
Stoke City began with a 3-1 win over Sporting Khalsa and Hull City defeated Halifax 1-0 in a Yorkshire derby.
Sheffield shine on return
Sheffield FC returned to Division One Midlands after one season away with a 1-0 win over fellow promoted side Kidderminster Harriers.
Lauren Winter netted from close range for the home side, as Sutton Coldfield Town and Barnsley Women’s also triumphed at home.
Barnsley Women's beat Worcester City 3-1 as Sutton Coldfield won 4-2 against Stourbridge, while on the road, Leafield Athletic beat Northampton Town 1-0 and Peterborough United returned from Notts County as 4-1 winners.
POTM Issy Bryant’s reaction on todays match 🗣️@BryantIssy #RBFCW pic.twitter.com/JPJRTRhM8H
— Real Bedford Women (@RBFCWomen) August 17, 2025
Worthing win firecracker
In Division One South West, Worthing won a 5-4 thriller over Portishead Town as Amber Hazlewood netted the winner in the 90th minute.
Annie Colston scored her 100th goal for Swindon Town in a 4-1 win over Maidenhead United, while Moneyfields began with a 3-1 win over Bridgwater United.
The two promoted teams suffered close losses as Ascot United were defeated 1-0 by Bristol Rovers, and Marine Academy Plymouth lost 2-0 to Keynsham Town.
Abingdon United scored four against Bournemouth Sports to open with a 4-1 win.
Cheadle roll on
Last season’s second-place side Cheadle Town Stingers began their Division One North campaign with a 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers.
The teams just behind them played out a 1-1 draw as Leeds United cancelled out Chorley.
📰 #LUFCW kick off the season with a 1-1 draw against Chorley, with Macy Ellis on the scoresheet for the Whites in Garforth pic.twitter.com/MhR2iV7F64
— Leeds United Women (@LUFCwomen) August 17, 2025
Norton & Stockton Ancients defeated Chester Le Street Town 1-0 thanks to a goal from Bianca Owens, while York City won 2-1 against Durham Cestria.
The big winners were Stockport County as they won 5-0 against new side Wythenshawe.
Photo courtesy of Luton Town/Duncan Jack Photo