Match Preview: Saints vs Buckland

They remain unbeaten, but were held by local rivals Southampton Women in a Wednesday night clash at AFC Totton last week, which ended 0-0.

Cheltenham Town are also hot on Saints’ heels, locked on 10 points with both Southampton-based sides, but have a far inferior goal difference - Cheltenham themselves travel to AFC Totton in league action in just over seven day's time.

As for Saints, they’re undefeated record, dating back to January this year, remains in tact as they enter a run of three back-to-back home ties to round off the month of September - their most recent triumph was last weekend's 4-0 drubbing of Swindon Town.

Head Coach Spacey-Cale has spoken in recent weeks about being encouraged by the crowds visiting their games at Testwood Stadium, not least the recent Southampton derby, which was attended by over 550 people.

And local fans will have plenty of opportunity over the remaining weekends of September, as Saints host Buckland, Cheltenham and then fifth-placed Larkhall Athletic consecutively.

Indeed Spacey-Cale is confident her side are beginning to find their rhythm in a new league, particularly at home, as she explains how the competition posed by surrounding teams is spurring her young side on.

"We've got to remember that we're new to this league, and so nothing is familiar," Spacey-Cale said. "There's a really good level of competition and we're already enjoying that battle at the top.

"There's only one promotion place so, realistically, we're probably going to have to remain unbeaten if we want that place.

"I think fans have had a taste of the kind of football we want to play, especially at home, and it's incredible to see the boost that the girls get off the crowds at Totton.

"It's important that these girls feel like they've got the backing of the Southampton family. We're pushing every day to get better and show the pride associated with playing for this football club."