Following last weekend’s FA Cup disappointment against AFC Portchester, the Sirens returned to league action with a trip to Sholing. Aaron Smith’s side were looking to continue their unbeaten league start and secure their second away win of the season.

Southampton made a bright start, creating several chances in the opening stages. Sky Stone got on the end of Calla Swain’s cross but could not generate enough power to trouble the goalkeeper. Chloe Ball then drove forward and saw her shot saved, before sending another effort narrowly wide.

The Sirens continued to find space in attacking areas. Ball picked out Katie Ellwood with a precise pass in the 15th minute, but her shot went agonisingly wide of the post. Ellwood later flicked the ball into Swain’s path, with the winger’s run earning Southampton another corner.

The pressure finally paid off in the 28th minute. Stone reacted quickest when the Sholing goalkeeper spilled the ball and slotted home her first goal for the club.

Just three minutes later, Ball was alert to another loose ball in the box and calmly placed her finish into the bottom corner to double the Sirens’ lead.

Southampton continued to push forward before the break. In first-half stoppage time, Eva Coulter came close to making it three when her shot from outside the box looped onto the crossbar.

Half-time: Sholing 0–2 Southampton Women’s FC

The Sirens returned for the second half looking to build on their advantage and immediately won a corner. Ball then worked her way around a defender with a clever shimmy, but the Sholing goalkeeper saved her shot.

Southampton added a third in the 56th minute. Ball cut the ball back to Ellwood, who calmly placed her effort into the net.

The visitors continued to create opportunities. Stone was unable to bring the ball under control after Ellwood cleverly let it run into her path, while Ellwood’s left-footed strike a few minutes later passed inches wide of the post.

Sholing looked for a response, but Tedman made an excellent challenge to prevent a shot as the hosts threatened to break through. Southampton kept searching for another goal, with Coulter setting up Jade Hockey for an effort that was blocked.

The hosts pulled a goal back from a counter-attack in the 76th minute, denying the Sirens a clean sheet. Southampton responded by pushing forward again. Coulter shot just over the bar, while Swain came close to reaching Pietrzyk’s cross at the back post.

The Sirens saw out the closing stages to secure a 3–1 victory and a welcome return to winning ways. Southampton remain unbeaten in the league, having collected seven points from their opening three fixtures, all away from home.

Full-time: Sholing 1–3 Southampton Women’s FC

Goalscorers: Stone 28’, Ball 31’, Ellwood 56