An uninspired Saints failed to score for the third straight game, as Durham punished them for missing chances in a 1-0 defeat at St Mary's.

Katie Wilkinson was brought down outside of the Durham penalty area, but the referee was not interested as Rio Hardy went up the other end of the pitch, and smashed it past Kayla Rendell to score the match-winning goal. 

Saints dictated tempo throughout the first half, and chances from Beth Lumsden almost made the difference - they dominated the midfield, but lacked the cutting edge to get back into the game.

They had their first opportunity in the 25th minute, when Ella Morris’ cross found an unmarked Lumsden at the back post - but her shot was blocked, and the rebound was fired over.

Six minutes were added on to a first half marred by physio treatment, where Saints were flawless throughout - Durham had one shot in the opening 45, and only came due to a miscommunication from the centre backs.

But the travelling side came out with more bite after the break, deservedly breaking the deadlock in the 62nd minute as Wilkinson was brought down by Grace Ayre, and the referee waved away appeals for a foul from 2,361 in attendance at St Mary's.

Ayre then carried the ball out of her half and played Hardy in behind - who ran into space and smashed the ball across goal, hitting the far side netting and wheeling away in celebration.

Saints responded with sustained pressure, and had the ball in net after a goal-line scramble - but it was ruled out after a foul on keeper McAloon.

Lumsden had the last big chance in the 78th minute. She found herself free at the back post for the fourth time of the afternoon, but after bringing the ball down, she blasted a close-range shot over the bar.

Southampton: Rendell, Morris, Mott, Kendall, Parnell, Rafferty, Lumsden (Pharoah, 85), Peplow, Lloyd-Smith (Wynne, 59), Griffiths, Wilkinson (Pusey, 79)

Unused subs: Howard (g/k), Freeland, Williams, Ward, Rutherford, Collett

Durham: McAloon; Robert, Lambert (Briggs, 76), Robson, Hepple; Hardy (Crosthwaite, 72), Salicki (Wilson, 86), Bradley, Ayre; Noonan (Galloway, 86), Clarke (Farrugia, 86)

Booked: Hardy, Robert

Unused subs: Saunders (g/k)

Referee: Megan Wilson