Southampton and newly promoted Fareham have begun the new year sitting uneasily on the edge of the South Women’s League Division 3B relegation zone.

The local pair have each gleaned ten points from their 13 matches and are desperately in need of a win to steer themselves away from trouble.

Southampton were held 1-1 by Horsham at the Sports Centre, enjoying a sound first-half performance without managing to break through.

They created several good chances by playing down the flanks prompted by balls from Zoe McLean and Emma White, who delivered quick and accurate passes to high strikes allowing them to get behind the Horsham defence.

“Although no goals came, three short corners were gained and good shots brought goal line saves,” enthused coach Roger Merry.

Southampton eventually converted a second-half penalty corner, awarded when Lou Hopkins was fouled as she twisted and turned her way into the D.

Lauren Carter converted the set piece.

Horsham raised their game which became more physical and gained several short corners of their own and eventually – seven minutes from time – equalised through Jenny Baker.

The last seven minutes were full of Southampton attacks, but Horsham held out for a point.

Vicky Field celebrated her return from injury – she had missed the entire first half of the season with a dislocated shoulder – by scoring Fareham’s equaliser at Guildford.

But Fareham’s celebrations effectively ended there as the Surrey club scored a goal in each half to secure a 2-1 win, their first of the campaign and a result which tightens the gap in the Division 3B danger zone.

Guildford’s winner came three minutes from the end.

“Although we probably didn’t do enough to win the game, I thought we unlucky not to secure a much needed point,” commented Fareham coach Steve Lemon.