By Tony Leighton

Leeds United have lost all their star players but still kicked off the new Women's Premier League season with a tough 2-1 win at Millwall Lionesses.

Their new-look team had to hang on for victory, but Carey Huggett's two goals gave them a morale-boosting start.

There were also 2-1 away wins for Nottingham Forest and Reading, at Sunderland and Barnet respectively.

There was a goal-fest at Blackburn Rovers, where the hosts grabbed a last-gasp leveller to draw 4-4 with Watford.

Millwall Lionesses 1-2 Leeds United

United, who played last season as Leeds Carnegie, have been taken back under the wing of the Elland Road club after losing the backing of Leeds Met University. Having also seen seven players depart in the summer, a massive re-building job had to be undertaken.

Leeds were on top in the in the opening period, and after Huggett had opened the scoring in the 21st minute she doubled her tally on the stroke of half-time.

The Lionesses hit back strongly to dominate the second half, but they were unable to force an equaliser after Emma Beckett's headed goal six minutes from time.

Sunderland 1-2 Nottingham Forest

Sunderland made a fine start and hit the woodwork three times before taking a 20th-minute lead through a long range strike by Demi Stokes.

Forest eventually gained a foot-hold in the game, equalising through a scrambled effort by Suzanne Davies five minutes into the second half.

And 15 minutes from time the visitors hit the winner as this time Beth Bailey forced the ball home in a goalmouth melee.

Blackburn Rovers 4-4 Watford

A roller-coaster affair was started by Danielle Sheen's opener for Blackburn, Charlotte Young equalising just before half-time.

The home side then went 3-1 up through Charlotte Hayes and Nicole Emanuel, but Watford struck back with three quick-fire goals.

Cori Daniels, Cally Newell from the penalty spot and Sarah Wilshire were on target and with nine minutes remaining Blackburn were staring defeat in the face.

But a late onslaught paid dividends when, three minutes into stoppage time, captain Nicky Twohig rose to head a dramatic equaliser.

Barnet 1-2 Reading

Two goals from set pieces by Natasha Caswell gave Reading victory in the clash of the newly promoted teams.

Caswell struck with a 20-yard free-kick after six minutes and a penalty three minutes before the interval.

Stacey Sowden pulled a goal back four minutes after the break but, despite pressure throughout the second half, the home side were unable to draw level.

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