Women's Report: Pompey 0-2 Saints

By SFC Media time Wed 05 Feb Portsmouth vs Saints
Photo by Isabelle Field
Wed 05 Feb 7.45PM
FA WNL Cup
Portsmouth FC
0
Southampton
2
goal
Pusey [15'] [45+1']
Referee: Andrew Dunn | Venue: Privett Park | Attendance: 458

Southampton FC Women battled to a 2-0 win in the south coast derby against Portsmouth, booking their place in the WNL Cup semi-finals.

Ella Pusey scored both of the goals during the first half, the first coming after 15 minutes as she was played through by Ella Morris.

The second came on the stroke of half-time, Alisha Ware this time the provider for Pusey’s equally-as-cool second.

It started out as a very open affair; both sides making the most of their pace down each flank, Ella Morris in particular getting in behind during the opening stages.

It was a cross which almost put Saints ahead after ten minutes: Morris once again the feeder looking for Sophia Pharoah in the middle, but the eventual ball evaded both the target and the goalkeeper, who was flailing.

Soon, Saints were indeed one-up; Ella Morris played through by her sister Caitlin after 15 minutes, before squaring the ball into an unmarked Pusey in the middle, who coolly slotted home.

PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 05: during the National League Cup quarter-final game between Portsmouth and Southampton Women at Privett Park Stadium on February 05, 2020 in Portsmouth, England. (Photo by Isabelle Field/Southampton FC via Getty Images)
Ella Pusey celebrates with Ella Morris.

Portsmouth looked to respond, with Jade Bradley and Charmaine True combining to set the latter free.

Luckily for Saints the returning Rosie Parnell was there to slide in with a vital challenge at the death.

The visitors themselves did not lie down following their opener, goalscorer Pusey attempting to break the offside trap on multiple occasions but being caught.

As with many derbies the contest took place in midfield for the most part as the half shaped out to be a typically tight affair.

With the first 45 drawing to a close there was a further chance for Pompey, with Jade Bradley firing well over from a decent position on the edge of the box.

But it was Saints who got the second goal of the game on the stroke of half-time; Alisha Ware playing through Pusey for her second of the game, hitting her effort under keeper Hannah Haughton.

PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 05: during the National League Cup quarter-final game between Portsmouth and Southampton Women at Privett Park Stadium on February 05, 2020 in Portsmouth, England. (Photo by Isabelle Field/Southampton FC via Getty Images)
Rachel Panting fighting for possession.

It was a very open start to the second half, with both sides looking for the game’s crucial next goal.

Saints’ best chance of the early second half flurry came down the right wing, with Panting crossing following Pusey’s flick on, only for Pompey to clear ahead of the onrushing Ware.

Pompey continued to threaten; Katie James seemingly finding space in the box just shy of the hour mark but for a vital Caitlin Morris tackle.

Kayla Rendell was called into action in the 72nd minute, tipping a close range Laura Ingram onto the bar as the home side continued to press.

The threat was still there from Saints on the counter attack, Panting again involved bursting forward but mistiming the pass into Ella Morris who was clean through.


PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 05: during the National League Cup quarter-final game between Portsmouth and Southampton Women at Privett Park Stadium on February 05, 2020 in Portsmouth, England. (Photo by Isabelle Field/Southampton FC via Getty Images)
Sophia Pharoah during the second half.

Portsmouth had the lion’s share of possession as the second half wore on, but rarely troubled the Saints defence.

Ella Morris showed her lightning pace down the right once more with seven minutes to go, squaring the ball almost into the path of the lunging Pusey whose effort was well collected by Haughton.

The midfield pivot of Kirsty Whitton and Phoebe Williams impressed as the home side looked to launch attacks, stopping Pompey in their tracks on several occasions.

Substitute Shannon Albuery alongside Panting both had chances to extend Saints’ lead with the second half drawing to a close.

Ultimately it was a thoroughly deserved win for Spacey-Cale’s side, who booked their place in the semi-finals of the WNL Cup.

Their attentions now turn back to National League action, as they host Swindon Town at Snows Stadium on Sunday.

Related

Gallery: Saints ready for cup replay
chevron right

Portsmouth FC

30
Hannah Haughton (GK)
2
Rebekah Tonks
4
Danielle Rowe
5
Laura Ingram
6
Amella Southgate (C)
replace Molly Clark (46′)
8
Jade Bradley
10
Katie James
11
Rebecca Bath
replace Jade Widdows (46′)
15
Charmaine True
20
Hayley Bridge
replace Jazmin Younger (90′)
21
Eilidh Currie
7
Jade Widdows
13
Melissa Burns
91
Molly Clark
17
Jazmin Younger
19
Mia Adaway

Southampton

1
Kayla Rendell (GK)
2
Ella Morris
4
Kirsty Whitton
5
Rosie Parnell
8
Phoebe Williams (C)
9
Ella Pusey goal goal
replace Shannon Albuery (82′)
12
Sophia Pharoah
16
Caitlin Morris
17
Alisha Ware
replace Georgie Freeland (71′)
19
Rachel Panting
22
Charley Evans
6
Kelly Fripp
7
Georgie Freeland
10
Shannon Sievwright
13
Sara Luce
24
Shannon Albuery
Spacey-Cale: Work rate was superb
Portsmouth vs Saints

Spacey-Cale: Work rate was superb

Southampton FC Women's manager reacts to the win over Portsmouth.

timeThu 06 Feb
Women's Highlights: Pompey 0-2 Saints photo Women's Gallery: Pompey 0-2 Saints
My Saints Story: Alan Fyall
My Saints Story

My Saints Story: Alan Fyall

We travelled to Florida to meet a Saints-mad University Professor.

time6 hours ago
Academy trio reach U17s EUROs as Joe Andrews makes Wales history Man City Ticket Exchange now open