Bristol Academy boss Mark Sampson says his side have to develop a ruthless streak if they are to cope with life in the FA Premier League National Division this season.

Bristol suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Sunderland in their opener as a second-minute goal from Nicola Devine and Natalie Gutteridge's second-half strike saw the Black Cats – FA Women's Cup finalists last season – make a victorious return after a two-year absence from the top flight.

"We were pleased with our performance between the boxes. We controlled large parts of the game," said Sampson.

"However, where it counts – in the penalty areas – we just weren't ruthless enough.

"We conceded two sloppy goals because we didn't take responsibility to deal with the situation and we lacked a little class and composure to add the finishing touch to our good build-up play.

"But we can work on that and put it right. We are looking forwards to going again at Millwall next Sunday."