The Sirens have been cursed with bad weather since the start of the season, as the sky opened last night to hammer the rain down onto the pitch.

The game had already been postponed, having originally been scheduled for last Thursday, but was moved to last night following a waterlogged pitch.

Nevertheless, Southampton took on the challenge and secured their place in the next round of the FA Women’s National League Cup through a wonder strike from Eliška Lynn.

The wet conditions led to plenty of slide tackles and on-the-floor interceptions; Elle Elkins making the first of the night.

Laura Rodriguez started an early attack, driving down the right wing in the second minute of play.

Izzy Conti was able to turn in midfield and chip the ball into Holly Humphreys’ run, but the ball was cleared by Leah Etheridge.

As the ground got progressively more slippery, Bournemouth Sports won a free-kick after Ella Wright slid and clattered against an opposing player.

Wright and Elkins started to show their talent, linking up nicely in both their offensive and defensive duties, working together to dispossess ex-Southampton player Katie Kingshott.

Southampton continued to make attacking chances, with Humphreys putting balls into the box, and Elkins taking shots from long-range that forced Etheridge to make a save.

Sports later earned a free-kick in a dangerous position after Manisha Kaur slid slightly too late in her tackle, but Elkins eventually managed to clear the ball up the pitch.

A few minutes later, Southampton defended well once more with Rodriguez making a perfectly timed tackle to deny Bournemouth making the most of their shooting opportunity.

Another big tackle was then made by Amber Marsh down the right flank.

The whistle blew, and it was all square at the break.

Southampton had a slower start in the second half, but the pace soon picked up after the 50-minute mark.

Chelsea Burr made space for herself down the left, but her shot went over the crossbar.

Elkins continued her skilful performance in the midfield, turning away from her marker with some fancy footwork.

Etheridge was forced to come off her line to clear Conti’s ball over the top to Humphreys.

Humphreys continued to create attacking opportunities for Southampton, but a brilliant tackle denied her shot in the box.

Aaron Smith made his first substitution of the night, bringing on Lynn for Sabine Ghag.

Southampton then had two shooting opportunities in quick succession from a Kaur deep free-kick and a shot from Lynn that went wide of the goal.

Elkins picked up the ball in the midfield again, but her ball forwards was just too far in front of Lynn.

A lengthy run from Humphreys put pressure on Etheridge again, who had to come out to clear once more.

Laura Vokes then played a ball over the top from the left, but it was caught by the Bournemouth keeper.

Play transferred to the other end of the pitch as Sports drove into the box, but the player was shown a yellow for a dive in the box.

Rodriguez and Humphreys both showed resilience down the right to win back the ball and clear to safety.

Now in stoppage time, both teams started their preparations to enter extra time.

Rodriguez picked up the ball again down the right and set it to Lynn, who pushed the ball in front of her to fire it past Etheridge from outside the box.

Southampton’s first goal of the season saw a group huddle celebration on the touchline, and after the game kicked-off again, the referee blew his whistle only a few seconds later.

The Sirens now advance to the next round of the Cup, hosting Moneyfields this Sunday.

Follow @sotonwomensfc for updates on the scheduled match.

Full-time: Southampton Women’s 1 Bournemouth Sports 0