SAINTS Women's head coach Remi Allen has warned against "getting caught up with the occasion" ahead of her first South Coast derby.

Saints visit Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Sunday, October 13 (2pm), with the bitter rivals meeting in a Championship clash for the first time.

Pompey won promotion to the second tier of women's football after topping the National League Southern Division last campaign.

Saints have been victors in their last three meetings since 2021, winning twice in the National League and at Westleigh Park in last season's FA Cup.

Allen's side last played in the League Cup last Thursday, with no game at the weekend. She details how they have put the extra time to use. 

"Nothing really changes. We'll have been in on the Saturday anyway," the 33 year old, who took over at Saints this summer, told the Daily Echo.

"We'll do the work. They will have had the Sunday off, which they're really pleased about. I think the games come thick and fast and the season's intense.

"Where they can have a little bit of rest and recovery and family time, I like to give it to them. But we were back in on Tuesday.

"Obviously, there's a derby to look forward to so they'll be prepared and ready. I think they're really excited about it, as everyone is."

Allen continued: "But in the same way, we have to prepare like it's a normal game and not get too caught up with the occasion.

"Because all that energy and that anticipation can go the other way. So we'll prepare as normal, respect the opposition and be in a good place come on Sunday."

Saints have won seven points from their first four Championship games, winning matches against Sunderland and Sheffield United.

Their only defeat was against struggling Blackburn Rovers, whose only points this season game against Saints, while the draw came with Bristol City.

Portsmouth, meanwhile, have been beaten in all five fixtures they have played, scoring just one goal and conceding 17. 

Allen admits talks about the derby started as soon Pompey were confirmed to be in the Championship for the 2024/25 season - before her arrival. 

She insisted: "I think I've had loads of conversations about the derby already. I was very aware very quickly.

"As soon as the club knew Portsmouth was in the league, we've had these conversations. I've been in Derbys, so I get it and I get the feeling. I think it's managing that emotion.

"You know, it's going to be one of them occasions where they're going to want to rattle us and all them things. We can't play into that, but we'll be prepared."