Southampton Women’s FC suffered a disappointing afternoon on Sunday as AFC Portchester claimed a 4–0 victory at Test Park. The visitors took a narrow lead into the break before three goals in quick succession put the game beyond the Sirens.

The opening exchanges saw Southampton look to build momentum, with Lexie Peattie recovering well to dispossess Sarah Butterworth before testing Leya Burchett with an effort from distance.

Katie Ellwood was involved in several promising moves, setting the ball back to Aime Chiddle, who was unable to bring it under control for a shot. At the other end, Libby Carter made an important save in the 14th minute, getting down well to deny Portchester following a counterattack.

The Sirens continued to find openings out wide, with Julia Pietrzyk winning a corner before Ellwood picked out Jade Hockey on the edge of the box. Hockey shifted the ball onto her left foot, but her strike was blocked by Laurie Potvin.

Portchester threatened on the break, with Aime Cooper firing wide before the visitors capitalised on a Southampton mistake at the back to open the scoring in the 27th minute.

The visitors enjoyed more possession as the half progressed. Following a stoppage for Lucy Mear to receive treatment, Southampton looked to get forward again, but Burchett remained alert to collect balls into her area.

Half-time: Southampton Women’s FC 0–1 AFC Portchester Ladies

Aaron Smith introduced Chloe Tedman for Katelyn Wort at the break, and the Sirens began the second half looking for a response. Calla Swain drove down the wing to win an early corner, while Ellwood continued to test the Portchester defence with her runs out wide.

Eva Coulter and Chloe Ball replaced Pietrzyk and Hockey in the 57th minute as Southampton looked for a way back into the contest.

Peattie produced a vital block just after the hour, but Portchester doubled their advantage in the 62nd minute. Three minutes later, Becki Bath struck from 30 yards, finding the top corner to extend the visitors’ lead.

A fourth followed in the 70th minute, completing a decisive eight-minute spell that left Southampton with a difficult task.

The Sirens continued to search for a goal. Chiddle sent a long-range effort over the bar, while Mear made a strong challenge at the other end to prevent Bath from getting another shot away.

Substitute Lucie Waddon almost found Ellwood with a lofted pass late on, but Burchett reached the ball first. Swain then forced a save from the Portchester goalkeeper in the closing stages, but Southampton were unable to find a breakthrough.

Full-time: Southampton Women’s FC 0–4 AFC Portchester Ladies

A difficult afternoon for the Sirens, who were punished by a clinical spell after the break. Southampton will now look to regroup and respond when they return to league action against Reading.

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