Women's Report: Poole 1-5 Saints

Pusey opened the scoring after 20 minutes; a superb curling effort into the top right-hand corner which left the Poole keeper with no chance.

Saints added two more in quick succession between the 25 minute and 30 minute mark; Shannon Sievwright hitting another from long distance whilst Georgie Freeland found the bottom corner just inside the penalty area.

Poole got a goal back on 30 minutes; Tiara Cheney rewarded for closing down the Saints defence with a rebounded effort into the Saints net.

The fourth for Saints came just after the break; Freeland getting on the end of a Pusey cross to finish from close range.

Pusey’s second came two minutes from time after a tight and well contested second half.

Saints’ eleven was a familiar sight for those who followed the side closely last season; Sievwright skippering the side from centre midfield and Pusey leading the line.

But also included amongst the starters was youngster Milly Mott, a graduate of Southampton’s RTC, who lined-up at left back.

The first chance of the game fell to Phoebe Williams inside five minutes, the Saints midfielder hitting an effort from range on the half volley which flew just over.

Poole’s first chance came five minutes later; Lauren Kelly hitting a half volley of her own into the floor which bounced kindly into the hands of Kayla Rendell.

Saints came even closer on twelve minutes; Sievwright laying the ball off to Freeland after a neat passing move, before the Saints midfielder turned and hit a looping effort which rattled the crossbar.

Mott showed her speed and crossing ability just shy of the 15-minute mark, her airborne cross meeting the head of Pusey who directed her effort just wide.

Seconds later came the opener of this game and the season for Saints; Pusey the one with it curling a superb effort from just outside the penalty area which left Poole’s Sam Chrippes with no chance.

Just five minutes later came the second, a strike this time from Sievwright which matched the first in terms of quality as she took aim from range and also found that top right-hand corner.

The third was just two minutes later; Freeland getting in on the act with a low finish just inside the penalty area across the goalkeeper giving Saints a comfortable advantage before the half hour mark.

But that advantage was cut down to two just shy of the half hour mark, Cheney closing down Rendell and getting rewarded for her pressure with a rebounded effort to give Poole a lifeline.

After a tight five minutes, Phaorah had a glorious chance for her first of the afternoon, connecting to a Pusey low cross from the left wing but only able to turn it wide from close range.

Williams was next to let fly from range, clearly buoyed by the successes of her teammates from the same area, but this time narrowly skimming the crossbar on 40 minutes.

Saints really turned on the style as the half came to a close with their passing play, combining well with short passes as Albuery could only find the keeper at the end of the move.

Half-time brought one change for the visitors; Shelly Provan making her return to the side following a year out injured.

It didn’t take long for Saints to make their mark on the new half; Pusey the provider this time finding Freeland inside the penalty area who made it 4-1.

The game quietened down for 15 minutes as both sides fought for possession in what was becoming an even midfield battle.

On what was a hot afternoon in the Poole sunshine, both Saints and Poole experienced a game with a much slower tempo during the second 45.

Mott continued to impress with her pace down the right wing, firing in several dangerous cross of which none could get turned in.

Substitute Rachel Panting went close ten minutes from time; looking to place her effort from a tight angle to the left of the goal but seeing her chance go just wide.

Seconds later Sievwright tried to recreate what had worked for her during the first half; a long-distanced shot which this time keeper Chrippes did well to hold onto.

Pusey then was sent through and looked to loop Chrippes with a volley, forcing another fine save.

But this miss did not dampen her spirits, with the Saints striker getting her second of the game two minutes from time; an emphatic finish past the keeper after being put through one-on-one.

Freeland had a chance to grab her hat-trick but was denied by a strong save and Saints held out for the 5-1 win.