Southampton were denied a second consecutive home victory in the Women’s League Cup after Leicester City scored a late equaliser before claiming the additional point with a penalty shootout win.
The hosts had the first major opportunity to take the lead in the 14th minute when Simone Sherwood fouled Mary Bashford inside the penalty area, resulting in a spot kick.
Amy Goddard stepped up to take the penalty but was unable to convert, with her effort towards the bottom-right corner comfortably saved by Leicester goalkeeper Katie Keane.
Chances were shared between the sides throughout the first half, with both looking to break the deadlock. However, disciplined defensive performances ensured neither could find a breakthrough before the interval.
HT: Southampton Women 0–0 Leicester City Women
Southampton made two changes at half-time before introducing a further three players around the hour mark as they looked to find a way through Leicester’s defence.
The deadlock was eventually broken in the 67th minute when Libbi McInnes caught Keane off guard. Her initial effort took a deflection off a Leicester defender, changing direction and heading towards goal. Despite the goalkeeper attempting to recover, the ball crossed the line to give Southampton the advantage and McInnes her first goal for the club.
The Saints looked to build on their lead, although Leicester gradually increased their attacking threat as the game approached its conclusion. The visitors forced Alina Santos into several important saves as they searched for an equaliser.
Their persistence eventually paid off with just three minutes remaining. Paulina Nystrom rose to meet a set-piece delivery, converting her headed opportunity to bring Leicester level and force the contest towards penalties.
FT: Southampton Women 1–1 Leicester City Women
With neither side able to find a winner during normal time, the additional point was decided by a penalty shootout.
Southampton converted three of their five attempts, with Keane proving decisive once again by saving Goddard’s second penalty of the afternoon before denying Niamh Murphy from the spot.
Leicester also missed one of their five attempts, as Libby Bance sent her effort over the crossbar. However, the visitors held their nerve, with Heather Payne converting the decisive penalty to secure a 4–3 shootout victory and the additional point.
PEN: Southampton Women 3–4 Leicester City Women
Southampton’s next and penultimate league phase fixture in the Women’s League Cup takes them away to Ipswich Town on 22 November. They will then conclude their group-stage campaign at home against Brighton in December.
Leicester return to action away against Tottenham Hotspur on 18 November before completing their remaining league phase fixtures at home against Wolves and Charlton.
