In a slight tactical change, the RN were forced to sit back in the early exchanges, picking the timings to apply pressure to the ball before capitalising on forced errors in the Southampton side.

Confidence grew within the team and the determination in tackling from Wright and Shorter set the tone that the Senior Service was not here to make up the numbers.  It gave the opposition moments of drastic hesitation on and off the ball and allowed the RN to start making the forward running.

On the 20 minute mark, the RN forced a corner on the right hand side. Gemma Stollery whipped the ball in left footed to the penalty spot where it was met by Shorter with a glancing header to the far post.  As the ball dropped, it fell to McIlreavy who made no mistake in smashing the ball into the back of the net.

The game continued in a similar fashion, with the RN dominating the physical side of the match. However they were unfortunate to be caught on the break after what appeared to be a clear foul on Shorter in the midfield, resulting in a counter attack and a breakaway goal which the Southampton striker very neatly rolled into the goal.

Half time:  RN 1-1 Southampton

The second half started quickly with the RN re-initialising their high tempo from the first half.

Southampton however, grew in confidence on the ball and began to create a few chances with some nice interplay in the final third. Another one v one situation fell to the opposition however, the reliable Riddell made sure the game stayed at 1-1 with a sharp piece of handling.

With the game moving into the last 20 minutes, Lewis was introduced to provide another attacking option for the RN. The introduction caused problems amongst the Southampton defenders, and resulted in a loose ball dropping kindly on the wing to Bavister who cut inside from the right and unleashed a driving shot over the keeper only to be denied by the crossbar.

The continued pressure became apparent on the visitors and Stollery sent a cross-field pass into the path of Bavister, who cut inside on to her right foot before finding the top corner with a rasping strike.

The final few minutes of the game saw the RN frustrate the Southampton players, who to their credit, were trying extremely hard to break down a stubborn defence, marshalled by Corbett and Knight, with some nice football.

Manager Mike O'Neil, (Pictured Left) commented "It was a  great result for the RN Development team who have successfully built on the last result against Bursledon Ladies and look forward to taking the form into the new season".

Full time:  RN Women Development 2-1 Southampton Women Reserves

Team:  Riddell, Wright, Corbett, Knight, McIlreavey, Stollery (C), Shorter,  Bavister,  Duggan, Reavell, Pessoll

Substitutes (used):  Lewis