SOUTHAMPTION FC WOMEN were crowned south coast derby victors on the 10th of January after producing a stunning performance at a record-breaking St. Mary’s Stadium!
After walking out to a club-record league crowd of 7,561, the Saints chose to take the game to Portsmouth from the outset, and that intent paid off in spectacular fashion.
From the first whistle, the home side looked intent on dominating, but it was the clinical finishing of the Saints’ attack that completely stole the show and turned the derby into a one-sided spectacle.
The Saints played with a confidence that rattled the visitors, dismantling the Portsmouth defense with a four-goal haul that kept the St. Mary’s crowd in raptures.
Jess Simpson opened the floodgates after 22 minutes, arriving at the far post to power home Abbie Ferguson’s cross, before Ellie Brazil rewrote the script ten minutes later with a trademark header from a Tara Bourne corner.
Southampton continued to build on their momentum, with useful contributions throughout the pitch ensuring the pressure never stopped mounting. By the time the second half drew to a close, unmistakable finishes from Mary Bashford and Aimee Palmer had pushed the score to a colossal 4-0, a daunting margin for the local rivals.
Portsmouth’s reply showed early second-half intent, with their attackers looking to take the game on rather than retreat. However, despite moments of promise and a shot that rattled the crossbar, the deficit continued to loom large as Saints’ defenders remained disciplined in the field.
Key interventions and a calm performance from Fran Stenson halted Portsmouth’s momentum, and while the visitors fought bravely, the scale of the Saints’ dominance ultimately proved too much.
As the final whistle blew, celebrations erupted among the Southampton players and staff, confirming their tenth consecutive match unbeaten against their rivals. It was a fitting start to 2026 that showcased the growing power of women’s football on the south coast.
It will be a derby remembered for the record-breaking atmosphere and an emotional return to the pitch for Rachel Brown following a year on the sidelines!
