LILY Agg's second-half strike ensured Saints Women fell to a 2-0 defeat against Birmingham City on Sunday.

The Blues had taken the lead in the first half when Saints defender Meg Collett turned into her own net.

Remi Allen made two changes from the side that thrashed Pompey 5-0 in the south coast derby at Fratton Park last weekend. 

Freya Gregory and Paige Peake dropped to the bench as Allen opted for Milly Mott and Rianna Dean from the start.

Saints got off to a difficult start against Birmingham, who started the day at the top of the women's Championship.

Goalkeeper Fran Stenson was called upon to make a double save to deny Tegan McGowan. The England youth international stopped the initial effort before pouncing on the loose ball.

The opening goal did come for the Blues three minutes later when Collett unfortunately turned Lucy Quinn's header into her own net.

The Irish international, who was born in Southampton, saw her tight-angle effort rebound off Collett and bounce across the line.

Saints attempted to rally but were unable to connect in the final third as the final ball let them down.

Amy Merricks was forced into an early change just before halftime - L. Quinn was unable to continue and was replaced by Ellie Mason.

Things got worse for Saints when the visitors doubled their lead five minutes after the restart. Rebecca McKenna pulled it back for Agg to sweep in from close range.

Allen turned to loanee Gregory, introducing her in place of midfielder Alice Griffith, in an attacking bid turn change their fortunes. 

But it was Birmingham who looked more likely to score again but Ivana Fuso was twice denied by Stenson.

Saints: Stenson, Collett, Mott, Bourne, Purfield, Griffiths (Gregory, 57'), Palmer, Kendall, Rowe, Dean (Thompson, 85'), Pike.

Unused subs: Rednell, Haaland, Brown, Peake, Peplow, Nohasiarsoa.

Brimingham: Thomas, Quinn, Agg, Akpam, McKenna, Herrom, Quinn (Mason, 41'), Holloway, Harrison-Murray (Cho, 70'), McGowan, Magill (Fuso, 70').

Unused subs: Szperkowska, Harris, Lawley, Wilson, Worsey, Baker.

Referee: Joanne Horwood.

Attendance: 2,117.