Blackburn Rovers claim first points of the season with impressive victory over Southampton | OneFootball

Blackburn Rovers are off the mark in this season’s Barclays Women’s Championship after Simon Parker’s side claimed an impressive 1-0 win at Southampton.

Farah Crompton’s first half goal gave Rovers a narrow advantage against The Saints at St Mary’s Stadium this afternoon in-front of a crowd of 2,643.

Southampton started the game with a high press, dominating possession in the opening 15 minutes. Remi Allen’s side created the first chance of the game from a dangerous cross but they were unable to significantly test Alex Brooks in the Blackburn Rovers goal.

In the 34th minute, Crompton opened the scoring for Blackburn Rovers against the run of play. Reacting to a mistake in the Southampton defence, the forward chipped the ball over opposition goalkeeper Fran Stenson and into the back of the net.

Southampton looked to respond just before the break through midfielder Lucia Kendall but she saw the ball fly just wide of goal.

Following the second half restart, The Saints continued to search for an equaliser. They retained possession well and started to create promising openings, however, the Rovers defence were successful in preventing any dangerous opportunities for the home side.

With 13 minutes of extra-time added, Southampton still had time to get back into the contest. In the 92nd minute, Aimee Palmer found herself unmarked within the Blackburn Rovers area and she crossed the ball for Kendall but the midfielder couldn’t make the most of her header.

Despite a final push from the hosts, Crompton’s first half goal remained the deciding moment of the game as Blackburn Rovers collected an excellent three points on the road.

Southampton return to Barclays Women’s Championship action next Sunday when they play host to Sheffield United while Blackburn Rovers face Charlton Athletic at Ewood Park.