Two early goals for Southampton proved enough to secure all three points – as they beat the Bees 2-1 in the FA Women’s National League at The Hive London, ATP Three.
Southampton started the match with a lot of energy and went close to scoring in the third minute as Ella Pusey’s strike at goal was palmed onto the crossbar by Faye Hazelton.
The Saints took the lead in the 10th minute after they were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box following a foul by Danielle Puddefoot.
Lucia Kendall stepped up and sent it over the wall and into the top right corner, beyond the reach of the Bees’ stopper.
The early pressure paid off as the visitors doubled their advantage two minutes later when Alisha Ware bent one into the top corner from inside the area.
Sophia Pharaoh was next to test the resilience of the Bees’ backline as she found space on the edge to drag her shot wide of the post.
Pharoah caused more trouble in the 26th minute when she put in an inviting delivery into the box which had to be turned onto the edge of the post and out for a corner by Jade Bell.
Just before the break, the Bees went close to pulling one back with a series of chances in quick succession.
First, Courtnay Ward-Chambers got on the end of a lofted through ball and fired narrowly wide of the far post before Jo Wilson rounded Kayla Rendell and shot into the side netting.
The Bees came out significantly stronger after the interval as they went in search of pulling a goal back.
Following the consistent pressure from Sian Osmond’s side, Wilson ran at goal and sent her strike into the bottom corner to bring the hosts back into the game.
Southampton looked to restore their two-goal lead in the 60th minute when Pusey’s effort at goal was deflected into Hazelton’s grasp.
Pusey worked her way through the Bees defence again in the 73rd minute but her final shot was collected by the Bees’ goalie.
Wilson had a chance to equalise in the 81st minute from a free-kick on the edge of the box.
The Bees’ No. 39 stepped up and blasted her shot into the wall before seeing her rebound cleared away by the Saints.
Sian Osmond’s side continued to dominate possession in the closing stages and went close to levelling late on when a corner fell to Jade Bell who had her fierce strike headed away – leaving the visitors to claim the points.
Bees: Faye Hazelton, Jess Burke, Danielle Puddefoot (Meg Wood 20’), Amber Tullett, Hannah Porter, Flo Gamby ©, Courtnay Ward-Chambers, Lauren Heria, Millie Constantine (Dan Carlton 84’), Jade Bell, Jo Wilson. Subs (not used): Frankie Webster, Parker Dunn, Chiara Lape.
Goals: Wilson (51’).
Southampton: Kayla Rendell, Shelly Provan (Laura Rafferty 82’), Rosie Parnell, Ella Pusey, Shannon Sievwright ©, Alisha Ware, Sophia Pharoah (Georgie Freeland 88’), Lucia Kendall, Milly Mott (Ella Morris 51’), Leeta Rutherford, Ciara Watling. Subs (not used): Phoebe Williams, Sara Luce.
Goals: Kendall (10’), Ware (12’).
Attendance: 53.