Abingdon United Women will play a third season of FA Women's National League football, after keeping their spot in the league with a 3-0 win away at Southampton on Sunday afternoon.

United needed to win or have scores go their way on the day to ensure it did not go down to the final day of the campaign, with Portishead facing Moneyfields in the other key fixture.

Chris Smith made two changes to the side from last time out, with Anais Harris-Beechers and Poppy Wannell earning spots in the starting eleven.

It was an end-to-end start to the game, with both sides looking to attack early on. Mollie Dyer had an effort from the edge of the area which went wide.

A minute later and the hosts nearly took the lead. A cross in from the right almost ends up in the net, but a good save from Caitlin Crierie ensured it was tipped behind. Lauren May hit from a free-kick which was saved, before Dyer had another effort, this time dragging wide of the far post.

The travelling Yellows continued to pile on the pressure. Holly Sellwood delivered dangerous crosses into the area from corners all game, with another finding Nell Boxall this time, who headed just over.

Kara Howes found herself in the opposition area, striking at the near post, but her effort was saved well by Nicole Gair. Poppy Wannell found space to strike from the other side, but could not quite strike towards goal.

Patience finally paid off for Abingdon in the 39th minute. Sellwood delivered from the left via a corner kick, finding Mollie Dyer in the centre, hitting her back and finding its way into the back of the net, giving United the lead going into the second half.

It was Southampton who started the stronger in the second 45. Rebecca Baron-Clark struck well, hitting the bar on its way out. Crierie not needed on that occasion, but a wake up call for The Yellows. Southampton 'keeper Gair continued to frustrate United, with a close range effort from Dyer being saved well.

The Yellows had to defend well to keep a clean sheet. Millie Hodge was on form once again in the United backline.

Chris Smith made two changes in the final 30 minutes of the game. Freya Gilmore and Mimi Hodges were both introduced to the game, with Nell Boxall and Mollie Dyer making way.

United doubled their lead in the 84th minute. A flick on from Hodges led to a good strike on the volley from Lauren May, which found the hand of Gair, who could not keep out, giving a vital advantage to the travelling Yellows.

Seconds later and it was three, and it was the substitute Hodges. A ball down the left from Sellwood found Hodges, who after cutting in struck from distance, looping over the goalkeeper and wrapping up the game for Abingdon United.

Player of the Match was Millie Hodge, after helping United keep a clean sheet on Sunday afternoon. Safety secured, with one game remaining on 27th April, in a dedicated Her Game Too fixture at The Northcourt against Keynsham Town.