A SECOND half goal from Katie Wilkinson saw Southampton FC Women fight back from a goal behind to beat Birmingham 2-1 to go within one point of league leaders Sunderland.

Molly Pike drew Saints level with a brilliant curling effort after Ivana Fuso put the hosts in front on five minutes. 

Wilkinson scored the match-winner against her former side after Lucy Thomas poked the ball into her path.

Marieanne Spacey-Cale made one change from the team that lost 3-1 to Manchester United in the FA Cup last Sunday, with Wales international Megan Wynne coming in from the start.

It did not take long for Birmingham to take the lead at St. Andrew's. Brazilian international Fuso rolled the ball under Kayla Rendell having been played through by Lily Agg.

Charlie Devlin twice stung the palms of Rendell as the Blues, who were unbeaten in the league at home since September, went in search of a second. 

They were made to pay for those missed chances just before the break when Pike, who has just been called up to the England u23 squad, curled in an equaliser.

Birmingham came close to scoring a second as Devlin provided for Agg, who flicked over the crossbar.

Southampton then sent a warning sign to the hosts, Wilkinson rattled the crossbar and Lucia Kendall was unable to follow in.

The 29 year old did not have to wait long for another chance to put Southampton ahead. On 69 minutes, Wilkinson bundled home after Atlanta Primus' cross was tipped into her path.