CHELSEA had too much power and experience for Southampton Saints' young guns in yesterday's FA Women's Premier League Southern Division opener.

Saints have lost a clutch of players since finishing runners-up last season and, though their youthful replacements did a decent job, they were outwitted 4-2 by the Londoners.

Saints' new signing, Jamaican international Anne Marie Collins, got both the visitors' goals, but boss Sue Lopez confessed: "Chelsea were too strong for us. They pay expenses now and had seven new players on show.

"They're a tough side and I think they'll be one of the challengers for title.

"We could have done without starting the season against potential promotion candidates away from home."

Next Sunday Saints are at home to Langford (Winchester City, 2pm).