SAINTS Women failed to turn their dominance into three points as they were beaten 1-0 by Blackburn Rovers on Sunday.

Farah Crompton's first half dink, which came against the run of play, was enough for Simon Parker's side to secure their first win of the season.

Southampton FC Women controlled the game from start to finish, however, they were unable to truly test Rovers goalkeeper Alex Brooks.

Remi Allen made one change to her team as she looked to maintain her unbeaten record as Saints boss, bringing Paige Peake in for Milly Mott.

There was also a place in the squad for goalkeeper Kayla Randell, who missed the start of the season having undergone surgery during the summer.

This was only Blackburn's second game of the season due to them receiving a bye on gameweek one as a result of Reading pulling out of the league.

Allen's side, dominant from the start, struggled to carve out chances against a low Blackburn defence.

Rianna Dean, fresh off the back of a brace at Sunderland last weekend, looked to replicate her long-range goal but saw her effort go wide this time around.

Saints had a weak appeal for a penalty turned away when the referee signalled for a corner kick after Rachel Rowe had gone down in the box.

For all of Southampton's dominance, it was the visitors who took the lead through Crompton.

They broke quickly after Brooks saved a tame effort from Jemma Purfield and found Crompton in space to dink over a helpless Fran Stenson for her second in two games.

The hosts continued to dominate but remained unable to turn their possession into a genuine chance on goal.

The flag was raised on the near side when Saints finally looked to be in down the right - Megan Collett was adjudged to be offside before she could deliver a cross.

Goalscorer Crompton was forced off on the hour mark and was replaced by former Manchester United youth forward Maria Edwards.

Rowe was at the centre of things again for the hosts on 70 minutes when she drove beyond two players to deliver a cross which was cut out before it could reach Dean.

Saints players gathered in a huddle with 12 minutes to go, attempting to rally for an equaliser, while a Blackburn player was down to receive treatment.

Allen finally turned to the bench on 82 minutes, introducing Emma Thompson in place of Dean while another Blackburn player required attention from the physios.

The substitution was unable to alter Southampton's fortunes as an equaliser remained elusive heading into 13 minutes of additional time.

Kendall failed to make the most of a free header at the back post, sending her effort wide, after she was picked out brilliantly from the left.

Saints: Stenson, Collett, Peake, Bourne, Purfield, Palmer, Kedell, Rowe, Pike, Dean (Thompson, 82'), Gregory.

Unused subs: Rendell, Brown, Mott, Haaland, Milne, Griffiths, Watts, Nohasiarisoa.

Blackburn: Brooks, Luke, Toland, Taylor, Hack, Crompton (Edwards, 61'), Noble (Dahou, 79'), Williams, Dugale (Settle, 88'), Riglar (Clarkeson, 79'), Walters.

Unused subs: Soper, Coulthard, Howard.

Attendance: 2,643.