Five show-stopping Women's saves from the season
A promotion-winning season for the Southampton FC Women would not have been possible without more than a few stunning saves. Here, we have a look back at some of the very best.
Saints vs Huddersfield After a slightly slower start from the Saints, Kayla Rendell had to be alert to prevent Northern rivals Huddersfield Town from taking the lead in the 30th minute. Laura Elford found some space on the right-wing and her ball forward looked like it was looping into the goal. Much to the relief of her teammates, Rendell expertly tipped the ball onto the roof of the net, and spurred her side into action as they went on to lift the trophy with a 3-0 win.
Saints vs Portsmouth It was a special occasion for Saints as they took on Portsmouth at St Mary's to clinch the FA Women's National League Southern Premier title. Sophia Pharoah and Lucia Kendall provided the strikes which put the home team in the driving seat, but Rendell still had work to do at the other end.
Late on in the tie, Dani Lane let fly a long-range shot from the midfield, hoping to catch Rendell off her line. The Saints keeper did well to get her fingertips to the well-placed strike and lift it over the crossbar, securing another clean sheet, this time in a league winning match.
Oxford United vs Saints Promotion rivals Oxford held Saints to a 1-1 draw at Court Place Farm, but it could have been a different story if it hadn't been for a top Rendell save.
A late free-kick from U's Hannah McKenzie curled into the box and dropped dangerously ahead of Rendell before she was able to nudge it over the bar. Such a dainty touch over the bar that even the referee didn't see it, much to the consternation of Oxford. A vital save in a hard-fought draw.
MK Dons vs Saints MK Dons made life difficult for the Saints when they visited a wet and windy Wootton Blue Cross FC in the league. Ella Pusey grabbed the lead in the 68th minute, as MK Dons failed to clear their lines, but Rendell was called upon to secure the three points as the clock ticked into the 90th. Amy Godderham evaded Laura Rafferty and lashed a left-footed effort goalward, only to see it knocked away by an alert Rendell.
Ipswich Town vs Saints There have been plenty of tasty ties between Saints and Ipswich this season, and the FA Women's National League Cup match at the Goldstar Ground was no exception. A Lucia Kendall goal put Marieanne Spacey-Cale's side up in the 79th minute, but Kayla Rendell had to pull out all the stops to deny the home side an equaliser. Arguably her best save of the game, if not season, in the dying minutes, as Sarah Brasero-Carreria unleashed a swerving long-range shot that looked destined to hit the back of the net. However, Rendell was on hand to deny the youngster, tipping the ball over the crossbar, before denying the Tractor Girls again from the ensuing corner.
