Match Preview

Southampton Women's FC are still looking for their first points of the season and host newly promoted Abingdon United at Test Park Sports Ground on Sunday.

Jamie Lloyd Davies returned to his old club last time and, despite going in only a goal behind the Sirens, succumbed to a 6-2 defeat.

Annie Colston put Swindon Town ahead inside three minutes but Erin Bloomfield's first goal on her return to Southampton quickly snuffed that out however, a minute later Ellie Strippel put the hosts ahead.

Colston extended the Robins' lead before a corner from Izzie Thorogood was whipped in at the front post and found its way into the back of the net making it 3-2 at half-time.

Only a goal between them it gave some hope for the Sirens however, Helena Diaz-Butcher scored less than a minute after the restart as sucker punch goal for the visitors.

Strippel bagged a second goal in the 55th minute before Taylor Macdonal made it six in the 90th minute.

Sunday's visitors are last season's Southern Region Premier Division Champions Abingdon United a side that the Sirens have met in the Women's FA Cup in the previous two seasons.

While United start the season with a 4-2 loss at Swindon and then had Oxford United put five past them in the FA Women's National League Cup they are on a three game winning run in the league.

The side managed by Danial Knight beat Portishead Town 4-1, Maidenhead United 2-0 and most recently a 2-1 win over Bridgwater United who were relegated last season.

Abingdon made several signings in the summer to strengthen their team ready for the National League including former Oxford players Billie French, Erin Hartigan and Alex Ashley.

Libby Gilmore who spent the second half of the 2022/23 season at Southampton also signed for United in the summer to bolster their defence as they aim to stay in the National League.

Sunday's match will be the first time the two sides have met in the league and only the third known competitive fixture between the two clubs.

Match Details

Venue: Test Park Sports Ground
Kick-off: 2:00pm
Gate open: 1:00pm
Entry: Adults £5, Concessions £3, under-16s £2
Refreshments available in the main cafeteria