Women's Preview: Saints vs Reading
Southampton FC Women return to St Mary's Stadium as they host Reading in the Barclays Women's Championship.
THE MATCH
Saints vs Reading
Barclays Women's Championship
St Mary's Stadium
Sunday 17th March, 2pm
For ticket news, see below
Saints are looking for a quick return to winning ways after suffering a narrow defeat against Sunderland last time out.
Despite a positive performance, Marieanne Spacey-Cale's side were dealt a blow with a 1-0 loss against the league leaders that leaves Saints third in the table and four points off top spot.
There are just five games remaining to put pressure on their promotion rivals as the battle for the title looks set to reach an exciting climax in the closing stages of the season.
Saints will be looking for another important win at St Mary's. (Photos: Isabelle Field)
Back at St Mary's, just as the Men's first team did in their last home game, Saints will show their support for Saints Foundation during Sunday's game.
Reading have earned themselves some impressive results of late that have lifted them up to ninth in the league table, with a five point buffer above the relegation places.
Despite suffering a defeat against London City Lionesses at the start of the month, The Royals have pulled off 1-0 victories against both Charlton and Sunderland in recent weeks.
THE OFFICIALS
Referee: Lauren Whiteman
Assistant Referee: Michael Butcher
Assistant Referee: Folu Aladelusi
Fourth Official: Jade Wardle
LAST MEETING
Saints have been victorious twice already this season against Reading, beating them away from home in both the league and Continental Tyres League Cup.
Lexi Lloyd-Smith's strike was the difference in a 1-0 win in the Conti Cup back in November.
In September, in their fourth game of the season, Saints earned a dominant 4-1 win at the Select Car Leasing Stadium thanks to goals from Molly Pike, Katie Wilkinson, Atlanta Primus, and Jemma Purfield.
MANAGER'S PREVIEW
Speaking after her side's tough-to-take defeat in the North East, Marieanne Spacey-Cale issued a defiant point of view ahead of the final five games of the season.
"Nothing's over, this result has gone Sunderland's way and they stay at the top of the table but there's a lot of football still to be played.
"If we dwell on this and start thinking everything's done and dusted, we're not giving ourselves the best chance to put things right. We've got to make sure we respond, work hard and come back for the next game stronger than ever."
TICKET NEWS
Tickets are available to purchase online on general sale, priced at £9 for Adults and £3 for Under-18s.
You can also purchase tickets on the day at the Ticket Office.
CAN’T MAKE IT ON SUNDAY?
Unfortunately, there is no live stream as Sunday's game has been selected for broadcast on the FA Player. You can, however, listen to free audio commentary on the game's Match Centre.
There’ll also be live coverage and plenty of behind-the-scenes access on our women’s dedicated social accounts:
