Sensational South Coast derby victory for the Saints keeps Hampshire red
A club record league attendance of 7,561 are under the lights at St. Mary’s for a highly anticipated South Coast Derby in the Barclays Women’s Super League 2 - the first league match of 2026.
The previous meeting between these two finished in a 5-2 victory for the Saints, painting Hampshire red.
The hosts are looking to climb up the table, starting the day in 7th with 15 points. Portsmouth come into this hoping to get back to winning ways, having taken only 1 point from their last 3 fixtures in the league.
Starting XIs
Southampton: Stenson (GK), Goddard, Bourne, Brazil, Peplow, McAlonie, Ferguson, Bashford, Simpson, Primus ©, Collett
Portsmouth: Gray (GK), Bull ©, Barker, Coan, Jones, Hornby, Wilding, Humphries, Nixon, Woolley, Primmer
For Southampton, 21-year-old Tegan McGowan takes her place on the bench, after joining on loan from Birmingham City. Rachel Brown makes the squad for the first time since rupturing her ACL early last year. As for the visitors, their captain (Jazz Bull) was an integral part of the Bristol City squad who achieved promotion to the topflight of English football for the 2023/24 campaign.
First half
Following a pre-match light show to build the atmosphere, Southampton got proceedings underway at St. Mary’s.
With six minutes on the clock, Southampton tried to find an early breakthrough. Tara Bourne shifted the ball onto Atlanta Primus, who tried to play it through to Ellie Brazil, the offside flag raised.
Sophie Barker played a delightful ball over the top, trying to pick out someone in a blue shirt, collected by Fran Stenson. Continuing to apply pressure to the Southampton back line, Megan Hornby cut inside and fired an effort - claims for handball off Amy Goddard not given by referee Joanne Horwood.
Megan Collet (Southampton’s number 23) had Brazil and Abbie Ferguson both making runs ahead of her, her through ball had too much on it.
The Reds were able to find a goal in the 22nd minute of this match. Ferguson fired the ball into the box, met by Jess Simpson who was perfectly placed, driving the ball into the roof of the net - 1-0 Southampton.
Megan Hornby felt she was fouled by Goddard; strong appeals came from the Portsmouth fans positioned below.
Down the other end, Primus put a cross in, inches away from Brazil. Having come close moments before, Brazil gets a goal on her birthday. It’s a brilliant corner driven in by Bourne, Brazil getting her head on the ball first - 2-0 to the Saints.
Two minutes of additional time in the first half began with a cross by Hornby who could only find Stenson’s gloves.
Southampton headed into the break two goals to the good.
Second half
Unchanged teams took to the pitch for the second 45. Portsmouth started brightly and looked for a way back into this game – Angelina Nixon’s effort from range was easily gathered by Stenson.
Southampton then looked to add to their goal tally - Brazil’s ball across was just behind the onrushing Jamaican, Primus.
The visitors made their first substitution of the match with Jemima Dahou replacing Nixon in the 58th minute. Six minutes later, Southampton made 2 changes – Milly Mott and Aimee Palmer replacing Ferguson and Primus, respectively.
Hornby came inches away from getting a goal for Portsmouth, her effort rattled the crossbar.
Palmer played a one two with Simpson, Palmer’s eventual effort parried away by the Portsmouth keeper. Moments later, Michaela McAlonie fired a bullet of a strike from range, Jessica Gray doing well to tip it over the bar.
Pompey made their second change of the night with Jesse Woolley being withdrawn for Ella Rutherford. The Saints made their third substitution with Tegan McGowan (making her debut for the club) replacing McAlonie.
The new signing made an immediate impact, her effort ricocheted to Mary Bashford, who calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net. 3-0 Southampton.
That score line was soon made 4-0 when Collett pulled the ball back to Palmer, who, on the turn, finished superbly.
The visitors, now 4 goals behind, made a change with Chloe Sheffield replacing Emma Jones. Rachel Brown made her return from injury (a horrific ACL sustained early last year) replacing one of the goal scorers, Simpson.
Large applause rang around the stadium as Bashford was announced as Southampton FC’s player of the match after an outstanding performance.
Final score: Southampton 4-0 Portsmouth
Southampton move up into 5th after a brilliant victory here at their home, St. Mary’s Stadium. As for Portsmouth, they end the night in 11th place, 8 points below their South Coast rivals.