Southampton Women’s FC Reserves lost 1-0 to Swindon Town, which saw the Wiltshire team leapfrog them into fourth place in the FA Women’s National League Reserves South West.

It wasn’t to be Southampton’s day, as Emison Evans scored a brilliant strike on her first start for Swindon.

The first half was a strong battle between the two sides, as both teams desperately needed the win.

Swindon favoured playing down their right flank throughout the game, but Southampton dealt with their advances.

Phoebe Hamilton and new signing, Lucy Coalter, exploited the Robins’ defence but failed to get past Emily McGrogan.

The game turned physical, as both sides earned numerous free-kicks.

Captain, Charley Sanford, and E-J May had chances to open the scoring but narrowly missed their attempts.

Southampton struggled to keep possession as they attempted to play long and wide.

Debutant Coalter impressed in the first-half with her off-the-ball work rate.

As the teams walked out for the second-half, it was all to play for.

Swindon came at Southampton strongly, and Evans worked her way inside to dip her shot over the stretching Bert Stanley.

The second half saw Southampton dominating play in their opposition’s half, but they still struggled to get past McGrogan, who was returning from a long-term injury.

17-year-old Kaitlyn Cousens commanded her backline well, winning numerous aerial battles.

Swindon continued to play predominantly down their right flank, but El Reid was there to shield her goal.

As the Sirens continued their struggle in the final third, Alex Rigby brought on Emily Flegg to rejuvenate the front line.

In the final minutes of the game, May won her team a penalty just inside Swindon’s box.

Flegg fired the ball into the top corner, but the celebrations were soon brought to a halt.

The referee called for the penalty to be retaken, as one of Southampton’s players was deemed to have stepped into the box too early.

Flegg retook the penalty, but McGrogan was able to make the save and earn her team the three points.

Full-time: Southampton 0 Swindon Town 1

The Sirens will next play Exeter City Reserves in the FA Women’s National League Reserves South West on Sunday, February 5th