FAWNL Plate: Southampton Women's FC 2-1 Bridgwater United

BRIDGWATER United were knocked out of the Women's National League Plate after a 2-1 defeat against Southampton Women's FC on Sunday. 

The Robins travelled to Hampshire buoyed by three wins in four games in all competitions, most recently a 2-0 league win against Maidenhead United. 

But Bridgwater were unable to progress in the plate competition after a hard-fought game at the Test Park Sports Ground. 

Southampton started on the front foot, with Izzie Thorogood's pace causing problems for the Bridgwater defence before Megan Wood's effort from 25 yards went wide. 

Beth Everson's direct running caused the Southampton defence some problems in the first 20 minutes, but the Robins struggled to break into the penalty area. 

And it was the Sirens who opened the scoring when Woods notched her first goal for the club in the 22nd minute – but only she will know if her effort that crept in at goalkeeper Ellie Mitchell's near post was intended as a cross or a shot. 

Woods almost doubled her tally moments later before Bridgwater went up the other end to equalise through Everson, who had already tested Sara Luce in goal. 

The Robins' number 7 kept the pressure on Southampton as Bridgwater searched for an equaliser, finding space to shoot on the stroke of half time, but her shot was parried away by Luce, who did well to get down to it quickly.

Bridgwater will return to action against Swindon on Sunday. (Image: Craig Blake)

Bridgwater were presented with a golden opportunity in the second half when Luce came off her line but failed to connect with the ball.

Luckily for the goalkeeper, Bridgwater could not take full advantage of her mistake. 

Mitchell made some great saves in the second period, but the winning goal came in the 64th minute through Britt Jeal, who fired in off the post after excellent work by her strike partner Erin Bloomfield. 

Georgia Vandries came close to levelling the scores in the closing stages but was denied by an excellent block from Southampton attacker Lauren Knight.

The Sirens held off Bridgwater's late surge to hold onto the win and progress to the next round of the plate. 

Bridgwater return to action on Sunday when they travel to Swindon in the league.