Crystal Palace finished second in the Women’s Super League 2 (WSL) this season after their 6-1 thrashing of 12th-placed Portsmouth secured them promotion to the Women’s Super League 1 after a year's break. 

After a close title race with Palace tied on points with Birmingham City in the table this season, the Eagles ensured they had the game in hand with Molly Sharpe coolly levelling the score in the first half after Meg Hornby put the visitors ahead. 

It was total dominance after the break, with Palace in total control after a double from Ashleigh Weerden and a triple threat from Kirsty Howat and Annabel Blanchard, with Elise Hughes hitting for six. 

Lexi Lloyd-Smith is a twenty-two -year-old forward/winger for Bristol City Women.

Known for her pace and direct attacking style, Lloyd-Smith thrives on driving at defenders and creating chances. She combines sharp movement with an eye for goal, making her a constant threat in the final third.

Energetic and relentless in her pressing, she not only pushes her team forward in attack but also sets the tone defensively. Still young, she continues to grow in confidence and consistency, emerging as an exciting talent capable of influencing big moments for her team.

Simone Magill is a thirty-year-old forward for Birmingham City Women. She made her move to the Barclays Women’s Super League 2 side this summer, and made an instant impact on their success.

Known for her intelligent movement and work rate in the final third, she is a forward who combines sharp finishing with a strong physical presence. Confident in linking play and pressing from the front, Magill adds attacking threat while contributing defensively. Bringing experience at both club and international level, she remains an influential figure capable of shaping games and inspiring those around her.

Mary Bashford is a twenty-year-old midfielder for Southampton FC Women This summer she joined the Saints on a permanent deal from Charlton Athletic.

 Known for her energy and composure in central areas, she is comfortable on the ball and presses aggressively to drive at the opposition.

Offering balance in midfield, she links play between defence and attack. Still developing her game, Bashford is regarded as one of Southampton's young players capable of stepping up as the club continues to push forward in the women's game.

A crowd of 3,896 travelled to St Mary’s Stadium for Southampton's opening fixture in the Barclays Women’s Super League 2 against newly promoted Ipswich Town.

Last season, Ipswich finished top of the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division by six points, with an impressive +79 goal difference.

The last meeting between these two sides was a mere three years ago in the FA Women’s Premier League Premier Division, with a 2-1 win for Southampton. The Saints will be looking for history to repeat itself. 

First formed in 1970 (unaffiliated with the men’s team), Southampton FC Women won the WFA Cup (now Women’s FA Cup) eight times. However, due to financial issues within the men’s team, the club withdrew support for the women’s team. Thankfully, under new ownership, the women were able to thrive again. 

In the 2018/19 season, they played in the Southern Region Premier Division and were crowned champions with a perfect campaign of eighteen wins. Southampton managed to win the Southern Region Women’s Football League Cup, adding another trophy to their cabinet.

Since then, Southampton Women have risen to the second tier of English football, the Barclays WSL 2 (formerly known as the Barclay’s Women’s Championship). Their home matches are played at St Mary’s Stadium.