Southampton started 2026 in dominant fashion, securing a 4–0 victory over Portsmouth at St Mary’s Stadium to extend their unbeaten run against their local rivals to ten matches.
In front of a club-record league crowd of 7,561 supporters, Southampton produced a clinical performance to ensure the South Coast remained red. While the occasion was marked by a historic attendance, the headlines on the pitch belonged to a relentless home side and the emotional return of defender Rachel Brown.
The breakthrough came after 22 minutes following a period of sustained pressure. Abbie Ferguson drove forward and sent a dangerous cross toward the far post, where Jess Simpson arrived perfectly to power the ball into the roof of the net. It was the perfect start for the hosts, who capitalised on their early momentum.
Ten minutes later, Southampton doubled their lead from a familiar set-piece routine. Tara Bourne delivered a precise, in-swinging corner that Ellie Brazil met at the near post, flicking a header into the far side of the net to make it 2–0. Portsmouth looked to respond before the break and forced a save from Fran Stenson through Tia Primmer, but the hosts entered the interval with a comfortable advantage.
Portsmouth returned for the second half with renewed energy, testing the Southampton defence and even hitting the crossbar through Meg Hornby. However, they were unable to find a finishing touch. Southampton remained patient and put the game out of reach in the final fifteen minutes.
In the 78th minute, substitute Tegan McGowan made an immediate impact on her debut, forcing a save from Jess Gray. Mary Bashford was the quickest to react, pouncing on the loose ball to slot home the third. Just two minutes later, Aimee Palmer added further gloss to the scoreline with a superb finish on the turn to make it 4–0.
The most emotional moment of the afternoon arrived in the 88th minute when Rachel Brown was introduced from the bench. After a year on the sidelines recovering from an ACL injury, the full-back received a standing ovation from the St Mary’s crowd. Her return provided a significant boost to the squad and a perfect conclusion to a dominant derby display.
The result sees Southampton continue their climb up the table, while Portsmouth is left to regroup after a difficult afternoon. Both sides will take pride in the record attendance, but on the day, Southampton’s quality in both boxes proved the difference.
Southampton: Fran Stenson 22, Megan Collett 23, Amy Goddard 16, Tara Bourne 6, Jess Simpson 19 (Rachel Brown 88′), Chloe Peplow 8, Mary Bashford 24, Atlanta Primus (C) 20 (Aimee Palmer 64′), Michaela McAlonie 10 (Tegan McGowan 77′), Ellie Brazil 7, Abbie Ferguson 12 (Milly Mott 64′).
Subs not used: Pettit, Edwards, Hack, Tucker, Watts.
Head Coach: Simon Parker
Portsmouth: Jess Gray 1, Jasmine Bull (C) 2, Barker, Hannah Coan 3, Emma Jones (Chloe Sheffield 82′), Meg Hornby 8, Annie Wilding 9, Greta Humphries, Angelina Nixon 20 (Jemima Dahou 58′), Woolley (Rutherford 73′), Tia Primmer 11.
Subs not used: Erhabor, Younger, Rowbotham, Kennedy.
Head Coach: Jay Sadler
Referee: Joanne Horwood
Venue: St Mary’s Stadium
Attendance: 7,561
