Women's Preview: Pompey vs Saints
It’s the first instalment of a double header against local rivals Portsmouth as Southampton Women travel to Westleigh Park in the third round of the Vitality Women’s FA Cup.
Pompey vs Saints
Vitality Women’s FA Cup
Westleigh Park
Sunday 12 December, 2pm GMT
Saints had an impressive run in the competition last season, making it to the fifth-round stage before falling to a slight 3-2 defeat at Birmingham City.
Pompey will be looking to do one better than last season where they lost out to Ipswich Town in the third round.
A comprehensive 13-0 win over Dorking in the first round of the competition set them in good stead as they went on to claim a 2-1 victory over Bournemouth in the second.
Saints claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Swindon Town as they kick started their cup campaign, with Lucia Kendall the goal scorer.
A much more convincing victory followed in the second round as braces from Leeta Rutherford and Georgie Freeland as well as goals from Sophia Pharoah, Sky Bedwell and Ella Morris saw Saints race to a 7-0 victory over Ilminster Town.
It was an eventful evening the last time these two teams met in May of this year at Westleigh Park.
Going for glory in the Hampshire FA Cup final, Pompey took the lead after just eleven minutes through Jade Bradley.
Saints drew level as the half-hour mark approached, with Rachel Panting firing home for the visitors.
With the scores tied at the full-time whistle and extra time, the final was ultimately decided on penalties.
Rosie Parnell and Ella Pusey saw their shots from the spot into the back of the net, but Katie James, Mia Adaway and Danielle Rowe ensured Pompey had the advantage and secured victory.
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“These are the sort of games we want to be involved in,” said Women’s Technical Coach Lauren Phillips. “They’re the sort of games we’ve wanted to be involved in for the last two years.
“The girls are really excited. We’re going to hopefully put ourselves in the best position possible to come out of both games with a positive outcome.
“We want to compete at a good level in a good, intense game so we’re looking forward to it.”
