Southampton off to a flyer with big win at Lewes | OneFootball

Southampton got the new season off to a fantastic start with a 4-1 victory over Lewes at The Dripping Pan this afternoon.

Molly Pike scored on her Southampton debut while Katie Wilkinson, Sophia Pharoah and Ella Morris were also on target as The Saints came from behind to record an opening day victory in Sussex.

Despite early pressure from the visitors, Lewes debutant Hollie Olding put the hosts ahead inside 20 minutes. After winning the ball on the left, Olding’s strike from 30 yards caught Southampton keeper Kayla Rendell off her line and the player scored The Rooks’ first goal of the season.

Lewes’ lead was short-lived, as Wilkinson levelled for Southampton three minutes later following a defensive error. Grace Riglar’s clearance was blocked by teammate Anna Grey, before the ball fell to Wilkinson on the edge of the six-yard box. The seasoned forward took her chance and fired her effort into the top corner.

Southampton then went ahead just before half-time. Lucia Kendall’s volleyed cross from the left found the head of Pharoah and she steered the ball beyond home keeper Sophie Whitehouse from close range.

Marieanne Spacey-Cale’s side put another past the hosts just after the break. Morris flicked Jemma Purfield’s cross into the back of the net at the near post to put The Saints two goals to the good.

Southampton continued to apply pressure down the left and it was a move on that side of the pitch which produced the game’s fifth goal. The Saints broke into the box and a low pass found Pike in the middle. She rifled the ball into the top corner of the Lewes net, putting three points for the visitors beyond any doubt.

The Saints continued to apply pressure and Alice Griffiths’ long range effort forced a full-stretch save from Whitehouse with five minutes to go. Meanwhile, Lewes were unable to find another consolation goal despite many searching runs from substitute Reanna Blades down the left.

The win sees Southampton go top of the Barclays Women’s Championship table on goal difference after the first round of matches.