Southampton Women's FC under-12 Reds took to the pitch for the first time in 2022 with a place in the Hampshire Girls League Plate semi-finals up for grabs.

It was a soggy day down at Lapstone and was the sole youth fixture at the club to survive the January rain.

Henry Stone had his side ready for a tough encounter against AFC Portchester with the team looking to press high and make some quick counterattacks.

Southampton took to the game well in the first-half with a series of good phases of play and looked to be controlling the game.

Despite all of that the Reds didn't cause that much of a threat in front of goal with only a few opportunities to take the lead.

The team needed a good talk at the break whilst they'll tried to weather out the stormlike weather before heading back out.

It was certainly a tale of two halves as Southampton conceded two early goals in the second-half and then struggled to find their intensity for the first 15 minutes.

While they were behind the Reds also lost their goalkeeper due to an illness and were reduced to eight players for the remainder of the game.

Even with reduced players, the team began to galvanise and cause Portchester problems.

Not to be counted out the Reds were set to create some late drama.

Ayesha Banda scored with three minutes left on the clock and with just 35 seconds to go Maja Parzyszek smashed home the all important equaliser to send the game to penalties.

It was a valiant comeback from the team but with three penalty misses Portchester took advantage and slotted home theirs to book their place in the semi-finals.

Managers Thoughts:

Henry Stone said: “That was just a crazy 70 minutes!

"We thought we were down and out but the girls proved us all wrong and brought that game back out of nothing.

"I can not even explain how proud of them I am. I am so pleased with their determination and attitudes.

"I can not believe how lucky I am to have such a great group of footballers who really do give everything when they step over those white lines”

Match Awards:
Players' Player: Ayesha Banda
Coaches Player: Maja Parzeyeck
Parents Player: Kate Bennet