The Yellows were defeated by a strong Southampton U21 side at The Northcourt on Wednesday night, in a 2-0 defeat in the FA Women's National League Cup Group Stage.

There were 5 changes for The Yellows. Anais Harris-Beechers, Poppy Wannell and Caitlin Crierie all returned, whilst Mimi Hodges and Izzy Hughes both earned starts after impressive performances on Sunday.

The visitors dominated proceedings in the early stages. A good stop from Crierie denied the Saints early on.

The first opportunity for United came via a free-kick from Libby Gilmore. The ball into the area found Wannell at the back post, but her delivery into the area was cleared.

Gilmore defended well to cut out a ball through the middle, before an effort was fired over at the second attempt for the Southampton U21s.

Millie Hodge and Freya Gilmore were also key to a strong defensive showing in the first half by United. Both were strong in several challenges as the visitors kept knocking on the door.

Just before the break, an effort from Kara Howes went over, with Caitlin Crierie also being called into action again with a good save from a long range effort.

A change at the break saw Mollie Dyer come on in place of Mimi Hodges.

On the 51st minute, the Saints took the lead. Space on the edge of the area allowed Sofia Dix-Trujillo to fire into the top left corner, giving the PGA side the advantage.

Crierie was vital again for United in the second period. An effort was tipped over the bar by the goalkeeper, before a brilliant one-on-one saved denied Southampton again.

Three changes were made with 20 minutes to go. Nell Boxall, Freya Gilmore and Caitlin Crieire were all replaced, with Iva Georgievska, Frida Ives and Erin Hartigan all coming on. Kara Howes would play the remainder of the game in goal for United.

Southampton found their second in the 76th minute. A brilliant long range effort from England U17 international Natasha Udebhulu found the back of the net, sealing the win for the Saints on the opening Matchday of the FAWNL Cup.

United face Swindon Town at The Northcourt in their next game this Sunday, 24th August, 2pm kickoff in the FA Women's National League Division One South West.