Lou brace catches Worthing on the Hop

Lou Hopkins [Chris Moorhouse/Daily Echo]

Lou Hopkins scored twice as Southampton repelled a late first half comeback from bottom of the table Worthing to beat their Sussex rivals 5-2 and go into the South Women’s League Division 3B break in a satisfactory mid-table position.
Dominating the first 20 minutes of play Southampton found themselves 2-0 ahead with some slick passing upfront and clinical finishing from Lou Hopkins & Nat Romain.
“Sadly, the rest of the half was a little disappointing and it allowed Worthing some break away chances which eventually resulted in them drawing level five minutes from the half time whistle,” reflected virus hit Sue Merry, who watched from the touchline.
Fortunately, this setback seemed to kick start Southampton’s drive and desire and Lou Hopkins (pictured) slotted in her second of the match to take Southampton into half time 3-2 ahead.
The second half was very one sided and Southampton were unlucky not to score more than they did with several last ditch saves on the line and the Worthing ‘keeper keeping them at bay also.
They did manage to find the back of the net twice more though Jen Wagstaff scoring the fourth with the fifth being scored by Lynsay Smith from a tight angle.
Merry added: “It was a good team performance against what could have been a banana skin team if Southampton hadn’t maintained their desire and discipline.”
Fareham ladies forced a creditable goal-less draw at Teddington, but Trojans were frozen off against visiting Surbiton at Stoneham lane.