Southampton FC Women are looking for two from two in the National League South West division, as they host Buckland Athletic on Sunday afternoon.
THE MATCH
Saints vs Buckland
Snows Stadium
National League South West
Sunday 27th September, 2pm GMT
LIVE on Facebook and Youtube (see below for details)
Behind closed doors
Following an opening day victory at Poole Town last week, Marieanne Spacey-Cale’s side host Buckland Athletic for the opening home game of the new season.
First half goals from Ella Pusey, Shannon Sievwright and Georgie Freeland gave Saints a healthy advantage going into the break at Poole, despite the hosts getting a late goal of their own.
Further goals from Pusey and Freeland during the second half made sure of the result, with the game finishing 5-1 in favour of last season’s league leaders.
Buckland also enjoyed an opening day victory; coming out 2-0 winners at home over Saints’ nearest competitors last season, Southampton Women.
LAST MEETING
Saints and Buckland only met once last season in the league due to COVID-19 causing an early halt to the league campaign, a 3-0 win at Snows Stadium
The second and latest meeting came on the 13th October, also as Snows Stadium, in the second qualifying round of the Women’s FA Cup.
Spacey-Cale’s side enjoyed an 8-0 win over their visitors, with five different scorers getting in on the act.
Rachel Panting secured a hat-trick in just over an hour, with further goals from Sophia Pharoah, Shannon Albuery, Chloe Newton and a double for Freeland.
WATCH IT LIVE
Saints fans will be able to watch the game live on Sunday, thanks to main partner Virgin Media.
The match will be streamed on both Southampton FC’s Facebook page and Youtube channel, with commentary courtesy of Ian Wilding and ex-England international Sue Smith.
Virgin Media have been main partners of our Women’s team since 2019, behind record attendance events last season such as the match against AFC Bournemouth and the side’s St Mary’s debut versus Coventry.
Due to government guidance the game will now be played behind closed doors, meaning Season Ticket holders are no longer to attend.
MANAGER’S NOTES
Speaking following the win over Poole Town last Sunday, Spacey-Cale was full of praise for her side as they got back to business with three points.
“Delighted to have won the first game,” she said. “It’s always important to win that. In parts during the game we played some really nice football.
“The girls worked really hard during lockdown to make sure they maintained a level of fitness, not only that but technical fitness – with the ball and decision making.
“It’s been a long time for us in terms of competitive football. There’s things to work on, but there were some good moments and some of our finishes were fantastic.”
We were happy with the three points. We were happy with the goals we scored. But we can improve and that's what we're looking to do.
The manager was also keen to highlight returning and new faces within the side last Sunday, starting a product of the RTC, Milly Mott.
“Milly stepped up and I thought she was outstanding, I thought she was our player of the game.
“Nothing fazed her she was good with and without the ball, I thought she was a stand out and credit to her she took it in her stride and looked like she enjoyed it too.
“Kelly [Snook] has come back from a long injury, as has Shelly [Provan]. We lost both our left-backs last year so to have them back on the pitch gives me a tough decision week-in-week-out.”
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