Southampton Women’s FC Reserves ended their string of defeats with a 3-2 win over Keynsham Town in the FA Women’s National League Reserves South West.

Eloise Ashley and Eloise Powell-Rowland put the Sirens ahead in the first-half before the visitors pulled on back.

Southampton pushed on and Emily Flegg bagged the third before Keynsham got a second to make the ending interesting, but the hosts held on for the three points.

Dani Kjaer was called up for her first senior appearance, Kelsey Pye made her first start, and Kaitlyn Cousens started her first game as a newly appointed co-captain as an illness had hit the Reserves hard.

After a rocky start, Southampton broke the deadlock in the 16th minute through Ashley.

Then seven minutes later, Powell-Rowland doubled the lead as her corner floated straight into the goal.

Keynsham started to fight back and kept the Sirens on their toes forcing Bert Stanley into several good saves.

Cousens dictated the tempo of the game in the middle of the park with a calm presence and supported her defensive line from the front.

The visitors soon brought themselves back into the game an out-stretched leg deflected the ball from a close-range free-kick into the back of the Southampton goal.

Alex Rigby made an early change after the break as Leah Knapp came off for Flegg.

Gabri Tchuenkam and Phoebe Hamilton caused problems, the former picked out some perfect through balls while the latter displayed her skills in spectacular style to turn Keynsham’s defence inside-out.

The two-goal cushion was restored for the Sirens thanks to Flegg who ended her three-game goal drought.

Tchuenkam picked out a delightful pass for the attacker who then raced onto and slotted home.

Tired legs started to show for Southampton which saw them gift Keynsham a second goal.

The young Kjaer was introduced midway through the second-half for her debut.

She made herself known as she picked up a booking for a strong challenge in the back of the opposition player’s leg.

Southampton narrowly still looked the better side and saw the game out picking up a second win over Keynsham this season.

The Reserves now have a well-deserved break this weekend before the National League Reserves Cup match away to Queens Park Rangers Reserves on December 4th.

Full-time: Southampton Reserves 3 Keynsham Reserves 2