SAINTS Women have cruised into the Hampshire Senior Cup final, beating neighbours AFC Bournemouth 3-0 to set up a fourth clash of the season with fierce rivals Portsmouth.

Manager Marieanne Spacey-Cale made a few changes to the side that began 2022 with a 1-0 victory over MK Dons, most notably bringing in deputy goalkeeper Sara Luce for number one Kayla Rendell.

In total, Saints made eight changes from their last game – with last weekend’s matchwinner Katie Rood given a starting berth.

Rood almost instantly repaid the faith shown in her, opening the scores after just nine minutes with a fantastic strike. Cutting in from the left wing, Rood overpowered Cherries keeper Sam Chrippes to give her side an early lead.

Saints quickly doubled their advantage in the 17th minute when a dangerous Ella Morris free-kick was knocked in by Cherries’ Becki Bath, who was unable to prevent turning the ball past her own goalkeeper.

In control against lower league opposition, Saints took their foot of the pedal and allowed themselves to coast through to the final.

Shortly after the hour mark, Georgie Freeland smashed home a deflected Morris cross to ensure her side’s safe passage into the next round.

Saints will hope to continue their unbeaten start to 2022 when they host Chichester & Selsey on Wednesday evening.

Saints: Luce, Morris, Parnell (Rafferty, 73), Freeland (Pharoah, 65), Williams, Sievwright, Evans, Morris, Rood, Rutherford, Watling

Unused Subs: Rendell (g/k)