SOUTHAMPTON II 2, HASLEMERE 1

HASLEMERE Ladies gave it everything in this tense encounter, but were unable to find an equaliser after Southampton had taken a 2-1 lead into half-time.

It was a noon push-back in Southampton and Haslemere found themselves under pressure from the start.

The midfield and backs worked overtime, but it was not long before Southampton placed the ball on a foot, earning a short corner. The first shot was saved by Eleanor Abrahams, but she was beaten in the resulting goalmouth scramble.

Haslemere showed great composure after this setback and deservedly equalised with a similar goal.

Heidi Wells’ target ball found Alex Hardy, who beat more than one player to get into the D and win a short corner. A fierce shot from Wells was saved by the keeper, but the rebound was picked up by Claire Powell who made space for a shot which deflected off a defender and flew into the back of the net.

The game then really opened up, with both sides doing plenty of attacking. However, a pass from midfield was intercepted by Southampton. Haslemere were suddenly on the back foot and a cracking strike restored the home side’s lead.

Coach Ben Newton and captain Siobhan Orchard-Webb fired up Haslemere for the second half and they worked hard as a team.

There were further chances at both ends in this end-to-end encounter, but neither side could capitalise and Southampton held on to win by the odd goal in three.