Women's Report: Saints 0-1 Blackburn Rovers

Saints spent virtually the entire game in their opponents’ half but to no avail, with the only goal coming against the run of play from Farah Crompton in the first half. 

A stubborn defensive display from Blackburn paid off as the visitors held firm to take all three points.

There was just one change to Saints' line-up as Paige Peake came into the starting side for Milly Mott, whilst Kayla Rendell was back in the squad as her injury recovery continued.

Saints were back at St Mary's. (Photos: Chris Moorhouse)

Eager to build on their impressive win last week, Saints started fast at St Mary’s and forced their way into the ascendancy.

Rachel Rowe proved to be a linchpin between midfield and attack, demonstrating so almost instantly with a driving run that led to a cross which Freya Gregory skewed just wide.

Saints dominated the possession but found their Blackburn counterparts tough to break down as the first half wore on with chances few and far between.

Rowe again caused trouble for the visitors, twisting and turning through the defence before delivering a cross that was just out of reach of Rianna Dean.

The Welsh international had a shot of her own blocked before linking up in a neat corner routine that saw Jemma Purfield’s cross cleared.

Rachel Rowe was a threat all game.

However, against the run of play, it was Blackburn who broke the deadlock.

With a long clearance launched up the field, Aimee Palmer was the unfortunate final Saints player to deal with the ball, as her header back to Fran Stenson was misjudged and fell short.

That gave Blackburn’s Crompton space to race onto the loose ball and loft it over Stenson into the back of the net.

Saints were left frustrated heading into half time; another jinking run from Rowe and an angled shot was the only chance for an equaliser before the break.

A response was needed in the second half, but the story remained largely the same as Remi Allen’s side were camped in Blackburn’s half without forcing a clear opening.

Bar a couple of deliveries into the area, which the visitors dealt with, shots on goal remained at a premium until the closing stages.

Rowe was again at the heart of the game’s best attacks, creating room for a low cross towards Molly Pike in the 85th minute that was blazed over the bar by the number ten.

With 13 minutes of stoppage time on the board, Lucia Kendall was next to have an opportunity agonisingly squandered as she couldn’t connect fully with Aimee Palmer’s deep cross.

Despite willing a late, late chance to arrive, it proved to be Blackburn's day on the South Coast as Saints had to settle for defeat.

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

Subs not used: Rendell, Haaland, Mott, Brown, Milne, Griffiths, Nohasiarisoa, Watts.

Blackburn: Brooks, Luke, Toland (c), Taylor, Hack, Crompton (Edwards 61), Noble (Dahou 79), Williams, Dugdale (Settle 88), Riglar (Clarkson 79), Walters.

Subs not used: Soper, Coulthard, Howard.

Goals: Crompton 36.

Referee: Lauren Whiteman.

Attendance: 2643.