SOUTHAMPTON Saints take a break from the relegation pressure cooker tomorrow to concentrate on defending their unbeaten record in the Hampshire Women's Cup, writes WENDY GEE.
This year's final is a city derby, pitting Ivor Gumm's Saints against local rivals Southampton WFC at Stoneham Park (3pm).
"I'm looking forward to it," said Gumm. "It'll be a good chance to have a look at some of the younger girls for next year."
Saints will again be deprived of some of the players who missed last week's 1-0 defeat at Doncaster Belles - a result that has almost certainly put paid to their chances of FA Women's Premier League National Division survival.
Striker Sarah Stainer is still suspended, full-back Holly Anderson has been on international duty with Scotland and Alex Cottier, Lorrae Rowan, Kate Morris and Emma Teague have been either injured or ill.
League-wise the Saints have two games remaining - at home to title favourites Fulham on April 27 and reigning champions Arsenal on April 30.
Former Southampton Saint Shelly Cox from Fair Oak played her part as England's under-19 women kicked off the second stage of their European Championship qualifying campaign with a 3-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland at Bedford Town.
Portsmouth FC Ladies' Laura Froggatt was on the subs' bench.
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