Dominant Southampton FC Women beaten by Blackburn Rovers

Farah Crompton’s first half dink, which got here towards the run of play, was sufficient for Simon Parker’s aspect to safe their first win of the season.

Southampton FC Ladies managed the sport from begin to end, nonetheless, they have been unable to really check Rovers goalkeeper Alex Brooks.

Remi Allen made one change to her crew as she regarded to keep up her unbeaten report as Saints boss, bringing Paige Peake in for Milly Mott.

There was additionally a spot within the squad for goalkeeper Kayla Randell, who missed the beginning of the season having undergone surgical procedure throughout the summer season.

This was solely Blackburn’s second recreation of the season attributable to them receiving a bye on gameweek one because of Studying pulling out of the league.

Allen’s aspect, dominant from the beginning, struggled to carve out probabilities towards a low Blackburn defence.

Rianna Dean, contemporary off the again of a brace at Sunderland final weekend, regarded to duplicate her long-range aim however noticed her effort go extensive this time round.

Saints had a weak attraction for a penalty turned away when the referee signalled for a nook kick after Rachel Rowe had gone down within the field.

For all of Southampton’s dominance, it was the guests who took the lead by means of Crompton.

They broke shortly after Brooks saved a tame effort from Jemma Purfield and located Crompton in area to dink over a helpless Fran Stenson for her second in two video games.

The hosts continued to dominate however remained unable to show their possession into a real probability on aim.

The flag was raised on the close to aspect when Saints lastly appeared to be in down the precise – Megan Collett was adjudged to be offside earlier than she might ship a cross.

Goalscorer Crompton was compelled off on the hour mark and was changed by former Manchester United youth ahead Maria Edwards.

Rowe was on the centre of issues once more for the hosts on 70 minutes when she drove past two gamers to ship a cross which was lower out earlier than it might attain Dean.

Saints gamers gathered in a huddle with 12 minutes to go, making an attempt to rally for an equaliser, whereas a Blackburn participant was all the way down to obtain remedy.

Allen lastly turned to the bench on 82 minutes, introducing Emma Thompson instead of Dean whereas one other Blackburn participant required consideration from the physios.

The substitution was unable to change Southampton’s fortunes as an equaliser remained elusive heading into 13 minutes of further time.

Kendall did not take advantage of a free header on the again put up, sending her effort extensive, after she was picked out brilliantly from the left.

Saints: Stenson, Collett, Peake, Bourne, Purfield, Palmer, Kedell, Rowe, Pike, Dean (Thompson, 82′), Gregory.

Unused subs: Rendell, Brown, Mott, Haaland, Milne, Griffiths, Watts, Nohasiarisoa.

Blackburn: Brooks, Luke, Toland, Taylor, Hack, Crompton (Edwards, 61′), Noble (Dahou, 79′), Williams, Dugale (Settle, 88′), Riglar (Clarkeson, 79′), Walters.

Unused subs: Soper, Coulthard, Howard.

Attendance: 2,643.