YEOVIL TOWN WOMEN 1

SOUTHAMPTON WOMEN 1

(Southampton win 2-1 AET)

YEOVIL Women were knocked out of the FA Women’s National League Cup at the hands of Southampton after extra-time, losing 2-1.

The opening period saw Yeovil enjoy early possession as Southampton let Yeovil knock it about.

Yeovil made the possession count with an early chance as Rosie Kirby, on her first start, linked well with Sarah Wiltshire whose expert cross found Megan Wood but her shot was comfortably wide.

The opening goal came on 12 minutes as Charlotte Buxton, in a new midfield role, regained possession and worked an opportunity to shoot from 25 yards. Her shot cannoned off the bar and Wiltshire was on hand to tap the rebound in.

Affairs continued as an equal contest until Saints almost levelled immediately, forcing keeper Beth Howard to tip a shot over.

Yeovil had chances from their wide play but could not connect on the end of the crosses.

One of the best chances of the half fell to Southampton as Yeovil were caught sleeping at the back but the visitors could only smack the post.

Yeovil were under pressure at the start of the second half and within three minutes of the restart Ella Pusey was free in the box and her flicked header nestled into the corner of Yeovil’s goal.

Yeovil had opportunities in the evenly-contested half through the head of striker Annie Heatherson on two occasions but the captain was unable to direct her headers on target.

Southampton hit the post again when Yeovil were caught out of shape but the hosts survived to extra time.

Both teams began the extra 30 minutes scrappily as the rivals looked to force opportunities to win the tie.

However, just before half-time Southampton found what would be the eventual winner as the Yeovil rearguard failed to step out to clear and the resulting through ball rebounded into the path of Sophia Pharoah to slot past Howard.

Yeovil might have had a chance to equalise from the spot but match official Kevin Lewis waved play on as Wiltshire was bundled to the ground through the back.

The Glovers then had another opportunity before the final whistle as Heatherson’s shot from distance was well saved.