Leicester open campaign with victory over Bristol

Leicester secured just five wins last season and escaped relegation by five points

An impressive second-half performance saw Leicester City come from behind to inflict defeat on newly-promoted Bristol City at Ashton Gate.

But Aimee Palmer's stunning equaliser from 20 yards on the stroke of half-time sparked the comeback.

Two goals came from Shannon O'Brien and Lena Petermann just after the break and Jutta Rantala swept in a fourth.

Bristol were afforded a lifeline when CJ Bott flew into Mari Ward and Amelie Thestrup tucked into the bottom corner from the spot - but it proved to be a consolation prize.

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Having been involved in a relegation fight for much of last season and boasting the worst goal-scoring record in the league, Leicester's second-half showing marked some signs of progress with a more front-footed approach.

Bristol, who secured promotion back to the WSL on the final day of last season after a two-year absence from the top flight, looked sharp in the opening 45 minutes.

Jones, who was on loan with the Foxes last season, got away from a handful of defenders and hit a sweet strike past Janina Leitzig with a fortunate deflection helping it on its way.

The Wales midfielder had the opportunity to double her side's lead but flashed her effort across goal as Leicester looked hesitant.

Sophie Howard's long-range effort clipped the top of the bar and O'Brien floated her chip over the top before Palmer caught the hosts off guard with a rocket.

Petermann looked like she had missed a brilliant opportunity when she saw her effort well blocked but 23-year-old Palmer was on hand to fire home the rebound against her former side.

Bristol were unable to recover after the break as O'Brien managed to sneak her low drive through a crowded penalty area past Fran Bentley after four second-half minutes before summer signing Petermann's thunderous header put the visitors in control just three minutes later.

Another summer arrival, Rantala, who came on after the interval and played a significant part in Leicester's dominant second half, got her reward when she glided in from the middle of the area.

The Foxes were criticised last season for not creating enough goal-scoring opportunities but peppered the Bristol goal as their new signings shone, with Deanne Rose and Belgium's most-capped player Janice Cayman also going close.

Thestrup's 85th-minute penalty made for a nervy final few minutes as Bristol pushed for another but some last-ditch defending from Leicester sealed the three points.

Lauren Smith's Bristol will be disappointed to have begun their first match back in the WSL with a loss against a side who they could be battling with at the bottom of the table as the season goes on.