It was a dream start for 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup star Ashleigh Plumptre as she scored a hat trick for Al-Ittihad Ladies in their 3-0 win over Eastern Flames on matchday one of the Saudi Women's Premier League on Saturday.

She got the first goal in the 30th minute with a powerful shot from the 18-yard box after Eastern Flames failed to properly clear their lines from a corner kick.

The 25-year-old got her second of the game at the hour mark having put herself in a good position to tuck the ball in from a well-delivered free kick.

Plumptre got her hat-trick in the 65th minute from an audacious shot from the penalty area.

It was her first competitive match for the Saudi Arabian side since she moved there last month as a free agent.

The versatile Super Falcons fullback previously represented Leicester City but ended her association with the club in July after her contract expired.

Plumptre played a vital part for Nigeria at the last Fifa Women's World Cup where she helped the Super Falcons reach the round of 16 where they were knocked out by eventual finalist, England.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

Photo Credit: ittihadclub.sa

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