NEWCASTLE UNITED were crowned the victors at St. Mary’s after producing a clinical performance to edge out Southampton FC Women in a Barclays WSL 2 thriller!
After the high of last week’s victory, the Saints chose to stick with an unchanged side, but they were met by a Magpies outfit that signaled their intent in spectacular fashion.
From the first whistle, the visitors looked intent on dominating, but it was the veteran class of Jordan Nobbs that completely stole the show. The Newcastle midfielder played with a clinical edge that stunned the home crowd, dismantling the Saints’ plans with an extraordinary opening goal after just 15 seconds of play.
Newcastle doubled their advantage before the break when Nobbs returned to the scoresheet, finding the top corner with a curling, side-footed finish that left the Saints with a colossal mountain to climb.
Southampton’s reply showed intent in the second-half, with the team looking to take the game on rather than retreat. Mary Bashford was everywhere in the midfield, orchestrating attacks and firing several warnings at the Newcastle goal. However, despite moments of promise and a relentless hunt for an equaliser, the Magpies’ defense—featuring several familiar former Saints faces—remained disciplined in the field.
Fran Stenson kept the hope alive with a string of vital saves, including a powerful stop to deny Freya Gregory, but as the clock ticked down, the two-goal deficit continued to loom large.
The Saints finally found a breakthrough in the 88th minute through a moment of individual persistence. Tegan McGowan chose the perfect time to open her account for the club, darting down the wing and poking a finish home from a tight angle to send the St. Mary’s faithful into a frenzy.
As the match entered six minutes of stoppage time, celebrations almost erupted as the Saints threw everything forward. However, despite the late surge, the clock ultimately proved to be their toughest opponent. The final whistle confirmed a narrow defeat, ending a spirited comeback effort that showcased the grit of Simon Parker’s squad.
It will be a match remembered for the lightning-fast start from the visitors and a milestone first goal for a rising Saints star!
