RELEGATED Southampton Saints have been issued with a bold objective by coach Ivor Gumm to win promotion back to the FA Women's Premier League elite this side of Christmas.

After dropping down from the National Division, Gumm's young side begin their Southern Division campaign at home to newly-promoted Watford on Sunday, August 17.

The eagerly awaited south coast derbies against Vanessa Raynbird's Portsmouth FC Ladies side are scheduled for Wednesday, September 17 (away) and Wednesday, October 15 (home).

Gumm said: "Obviously the derby matches will be a bit special, but I'm just looking forward to seeing my team showing what they're capable of."