Southampton were working well in possession; Laura Vokes and Ella Wright showed unity to maintain ownership of the ball, before switching to the far side for a next attack.

The pace of the game soon picked up, and Portishead started to get closer to scoring opportunities, which saw vital claims and blocks being made by Madds Millington-Stanbury and Izzy Crooks.

Despite her young age, Laura Rodriguez has shown composure and determination since her first start against Bournemouth Sports two weeks ago.

She battled hard down the left flank, recovering to the touchline to block crosses and stopping the ball getting near Millington-Stanbury.

In the 39th minute, Portishead came at Southampton again, but Millington-Stanbury was able to save the shot by pushing the ball onto the crossbar.

In stoppage time of the first half, the referee awarded a free-kick to Portishead on the edge of the box.

Alanna Torrington’s strike was on target, and Portishead took the game to a draw at the break.

The second half started scrappy, with hasty blocks being made by the Sirens in their box.

Vokes managed to drive out with the ball, which fell to Elle Elkins who was able to set Humphreys through on goal, but her pass was just over-hit.

In the 55th minute, Portishead took the lead.

Millington-Stanbury made the initial save from a looping strike, but Emily Lindsay was ready to finish the rebound at the back post.

The following ten minutes saw Southampton defending and blocking further shots from Portishead.

Vokes picked up the ball again and was eventually brought down for a Sirens free-kick in the opposition’s half.

Crooks stepped up to take it, but her shot fell agonisingly just over the crossbar.

The Sirens’ next closest opportunity to bring the game level was from a Humphreys cross that fizzed in across the face of goal, but the ball rolled over the outstretched toe of Rodriguez’s boot.

Full-time: Portishead 2 Southampton 1