SAINTS were crowned the comeback queens of the Barclays Women’s Super League 2 on Sunday the 1st of Feburary after producing a stunning performance at St. Mary’s to down Crystal Palace!
After suffering a narrow defeat to Sunderland the weekend prior, the Saints chose to respond with clinical intent from the outset, and that decision paid off in spectacular fashion.
From the first whistle, the home side looked intent on dominating, but it was the performance of Ellie Brazil that completely stole the show and turned the match into a personal highlight reel. The striker played with a confidence well beyond the reach of the Palace defense, dismantling the visitors with an extraordinary first career hat-trick!
Brazil opened the scoring by tapping home a pinpoint Michaela McAlonie cross, before doubling the lead just six minutes later with a calm, slotted finish that sent the St. Mary’s crowd into raptures.
Palace’s reply showed late first-half intent, with Ashleigh Weerden finding the net with a cross or shot that looped over Fran Stenson to set up a tense second period. However, despite moments of promise for the Eagles—including a shot off the crossbar and a desperate six-yard strike from Abbie Larkin—the Saints’ resolve remained disciplined on the field.
Fran Stenson led the defensive charge with a string of crucial, reactionary saves, showing composure under immense pressure to maintain the narrow lead. As the game reached its final act, the scale of the Saints’ counter-attacking threat ultimately proved too much for the visitors.
In a sudden break during stoppage time, the victory was sealed in style. Chloe Peplow split the defense with an inch-perfect pass to Tegan McGowan, who put the ball on a plate for Brazil to fire home her third of the afternoon.
As the final whistle blew, celebrations erupted among the Southampton players and staff, confirming their climb to fifth in the table. It was a fitting return to winning ways that showcased the resilience of this Saints squad.
It will be a match remembered for one of the greatest individual displays the stadium has seen from a clinical hat-trick hero!
