Southampton Women’s FC begin their FA Cup journey on Sunday as they welcome Southern Region Women’s Premier Division side AFC Portchester to Test Park Sports Ground.

The Sirens face familiar opposition in the FA Cup, with Portchester also competing in the same league and among the teams challenging toward the top of the division this season. With both sides having ambitions of promotion, Sunday’s cup tie adds another chapter to what is already an exciting rivalry.

The Opposition

AFC Portchester have made a strong start to the 2026/27 league campaign, taking maximum points from opening two fixtures. They began with a 3-1 victory away to Winchester City Flyers, then they secured a 1-0 win over Oxford City.

Their early form sees them among the teams fighting for promotion in the Southern Region
Women’s Premier Division, making this a challenging opening FA Cup tie for the Sirens.

Portchester also come into the game already showing their ability to compete with
Southampton Women’s FC, with both sides netting twice during the last fixture.
The most recent meeting saw Southampton claim a 2-1 victory away from home in April, while the reverse fixture at Test Park ended in a 2-2 draw.

The Sirens

Southampton have also made an unbeaten start to their league campaign with a win and a draw away from home.

The Sirens opened the season with an impressive 4-0 victory against Chesham United before drawing 2-2 by Denham United last weekend. They will now be focusing on the FA Cup, with the Sirens looking to carry on their strong start to their season into this game.
The competition also holds a special place in Southampton Women’s history, as the club have won eight FA Cup trophies. Now, this squad has the opportunity to make their own cup history and will be hoping to add a new chapter in the club’s history.

A Familiar Challenge

With both teams competing in the same division, there will be no mystery about the rivalry
between the two teams, both competing for promotion in the league, and now a place in the next round of the FA Cup.
Southampton know the threat Portchester will be. While Portchester will be equally aware of what the Sirens can bring.

The previous meetings between the teams have produced closely fought contests. With a place in the next round of the FA Cup up for grabs, this fixture will be a competitive encounter at Test Park.

For the Sirens, it’s an opportunity to progress in a competition, and the club has an exciting
history in this competition. For Portchester, it’s a chance to continue their impressive start to the season and knock out one of their promotion contenders.

Match Information

Competition: The Women's FA Cup – Second Qualifying Round
Fixture: Southampton Women FC vs AFC Portchester
Date: Sunday 20 September
Kick-off: 2:00pm
Venue: Test Park Sports Ground, Southampton, SO16 9QZ
Admission: Adults £5 | Concessions & Under 18 £3 | Children Under 5 FREE

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