Mary Bashford: WSL 2 Player Spotlight
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.
An opening weekend to remember
Southampton opened their 2025/26 campaign in style with a 4-0 win. Bashford marked her Southampton debut in the Barclays Women’s Super League 2 in style with a brace against Ipswich Town Women, striking twice after capitalising on a well-delivered corner.
Her decisive attacking contributions helped Southampton race into a commanding lead, with her goals proving pivotal in a dominant opening-day win. It was a statement performance that set the tone for the WSL 2 season and established her as an immediate attacking threat.
Credit to her intelligent positioning and clinical finishes, Bashford slotted two past Ipswich’s goalkeeper. Her finishing allowed Southampton to seize an early lead and take control of the game. This established her as a player to watch, one of the most successful in the opening weekend.
In an exclusive interview, Southampton head coach, Simon Parker spoke highly of their new signing and her goalscoring ability:
"Yeah, I mean Mary, the role that we have for her isn't necessarily to score goals so that was just a huge added bonus. I mean she was outstanding today, Mary."
The future
Next up for Southampton is an away clash against Crystal Palace, recently demoted from the Barclays Women’s Super League. Having scored a debut brace to open the season, including a sharp follow-up from a corner and a powerful close-range finish, the key question now is whether Bashford can replicate that attacking influence on the road.
There is no doubt she will showcase her ability to adapt in tight spaces, but it is uncertain whether Parker intends for her to uphold a central attacking presence or drift wider to tactically challenge the Eagles.
Bashford’s flexibility in the midfield will test Palace’s defence; however, being consistent in her play is crucial in allowing the play to flow between teammates.
After an outstanding first week in the WSL 2, all eyes will be on young talent, Bashford, as Southampton face their first away day. Will she continue to deliver goals and key contributions across the season, with tough and in-form opponents upcoming?