LOANEE Freya Gregory scored her first Saints Women goal to help them secure a 2-0 win over Sheffield United on Sunday.

Substitute Rianna Dean added a second late on to ensure Remi Allen's side returned to winning ways after a disappointing defeat to Blackburn Rovers last time out.

Saints were much improved after a slow first half, during which they were restricted to long-range efforts after Sian Rogers produced a fine double save.

They saw a penalty appeal turned down after the break when Rachel Rowe appeared to be fouled when shooting - although the decision did not come back to hurt them.

Allen, hoping for improved fortunes following her first defeat as Saints Women boss last week, made two changes.

Milly Mott returned to the lineup to replace Paige Peake while Alice Griffiths came in for attacker Dean.

Sheffield United were hoping for their first points of the season having lost all three of their opening games, scoring just once.

Southampton struggled to create chances last Sunday and came out of the gates quickly against the Blades.

Loanee Gregory posed problems and she twisted free of defenders down the left before picking out Molly Pike at the back post.

However, the forward was denied her second goal of the season by a brilliant point-blank save from Rogers.

The Sheffield United captain recovered quickly to then deny right-back Meg Collect from a tight angle on the follow-up.

Much like Blackburn did last week, the visitors looked to sit back and force Allen's side into speculative efforts from range.

Southampton's struggles continued after the break and Sheffield United began to get some success from harrying the backline.

Saints were sloppy in possession, losing the ball on several occasions, leading to Peake coming on in place of Mott.

A break in play allowed Allen an opportunity to speak with her players following their slow start to the second half.

Her words appeared to have an immediate impact as Gregory fired in from the edge of the box to give them the lead.

It should have been two when Rowe pinched the ball from a pass out of the back but the Welsh international hit the deck as she lined up to shoot. 

Allen, who was furious that the officials did not award Saints a penalty, saw a yellow card for her protestations to the fourth official.

Goalscorer Gregory was forced off with 15 regular minutes remaining and was replaced by top goalscorer Dean.

Saints had another chance to double their lead in the final 10 minutes when a low cross eventually found Pike, however, she could only scoop over.

Their efforts proved successful with three minutes of regular time remaining when Rowe played in Dean for her third of the season and Southampton's second on the day.

Dean, who struggled with injuries last season, remained cool and composed to slot past the onrushing Rogers and into the bottom corner.

Saints Women: Stenson, Collett (Brown, 92'), Mott (Peake, 60'), Bourne, Purfield, Griffiths, Kendall, Palmer, Rowe, Gregory (Dean, 75'), Pike.

Unused subs: Rendell, Haaland, Peplow, Thompson, Nohasiarisoa.

Sheffield United: Rogers, Cowan, Lafayette, Kinzett, Wardlaw, Farrugia, Robinson (Phillips, 89'), Wilding, Butler, Foy (Bailey, 61'), Edwards (Hand, h-t)

Unused subs: Page, Connolly-Jackson, Davies.

Attendance: 1,528