Southampton FC Women Face Nottingham Forest in Season Finale with Top-Four Hopes Alive

Key facts

• Southampton FC Women play Nottingham Forest away on Saturday 2nd May at 3:00pm at The City Ground.
• Saints are four games unbeaten in the WSL2, following a 2-2 draw with league leaders Charlton.
• Jess Simpson and Atlanta Primus scored in the draw against Charlton.
• Southampton are two points behind fourth-placed Bristol City and one point behind fifth-placed Newcastle.
• Nottingham Forest also have a four-game unbeaten streak, having beaten Portsmouth 1-0 to relegate them.
• Forest could finish as high as fifth but are more likely to leapfrog Saints into sixth with a win.
• The earlier meeting this season saw Forest win 3-2 at St Mary's, with Simpson and Mary Bashford scoring for Saints.
• Saints will wear their black and red third kit for the match.

Final-Day Stakes at The City Ground

Southampton FC Women will conclude their Barclays Women's Super League 2 campaign on the road against Nottingham Forest on Saturday 2nd May, with both sides carrying unbeaten runs into the season finale. The match at The City Ground kicks off at 3:00pm, and the visitors have a mathematical chance of climbing to fourth place in the table. Simon Parker's side have been in resurgent form, going four matches without defeat in the league. That run includes a hard-fought 2-2 draw against leaders Charlton Athletic last weekend, where goals from Jess Simpson and Atlanta Primus secured a point. The result left Southampton two points adrift of fourth-placed Bristol City and one point behind fifth-placed Newcastle United.

Opponents in Similar Form

Nottingham Forest enter the final day on an identical four-game unbeaten streak, having edged out Portsmouth 1-0 away in their last outing. Georgia Brougham's goal confirmed relegation for Southampton's Hampshire rivals, adding an extra layer of narrative to the season's end. Forest, in their debut season in the second tier, can mathematically finish as high as fifth, but goal difference makes it more likely they will leapfrog Saints into sixth position with a victory. The two sides met earlier this season at St Mary's Stadium, where Forest prevailed 3-2 with two late goals. Jess Simpson and Mary Bashford were on target for Southampton in that narrow defeat, the first ever meeting between the clubs.

Saints' Attacking Threats and Team News

Jess Simpson has been a key figure for Southampton, scoring in both matches against Nottingham Forest this season. Her partnership with Atlanta Primus, who also found the net against Charlton, will be central to Saints' hopes of finishing on a high. Mary Bashford, another goalscorer from the reverse fixture, provides additional firepower from midfield. Simon Parker's side will don their black and red third kit for the final game, a change from their usual home colours. The match officials are referee Jodie Hunter, assistant referees Alexander Beeley and Ralph Frostick, and fourth official Laura Van Lier.

Ticket Information and Away Support

Travelling supporters can purchase tickets through the hosts' ticketing site, with away seating allocated in the Peter Taylor Stand, Block A2 (Block A2). Tickets are on general sale, though prices were not specified in the match preview. The club has encouraged fans to attend the season finale as the team seeks to secure its highest possible finish.

Context of the Season

Southampton FC Women have experienced a season of consolidation in the WSL2, with their current fourth-place finish representing a solid campaign. The team's unbeaten run in the closing weeks has injected momentum into the squad, and a victory on Saturday would provide a springboard into the off-season. Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, have exceeded expectations in their first year at this level, avoiding relegation and now vying for a top-six finish. The match also carries implications for the final standings, as Bristol City and Newcastle United have their own fixtures that could affect Southampton's final position. A win combined with favourable results elsewhere could lift Saints to fourth, while a loss might see them drop to sixth.

What Lies Ahead

The conclusion of the WSL2 season marks a transition period for Southampton FC Women, who will look to build on their late-season form in the next campaign. For Nottingham Forest, the final day represents a chance to cap their debut season with a statement victory. Both sides have shown resilience in recent weeks, and Saturday's encounter promises to be a competitive end to the season. Regardless of the result, the club will turn its attention to squad planning and pre-season preparations, with the aim of challenging for promotion in the future. The immediate focus, however, remains on delivering a strong performance at The City Ground.

The bottom line

• Southampton FC Women end their WSL2 season away to Nottingham Forest on Saturday 2nd May at 3:00pm.
• Saints are four games unbeaten and can finish fourth with a win and other results going their way.
• Jess Simpson has scored in both meetings with Forest this season, including a goal in the 2-2 draw with Charlton.
• Nottingham Forest also have a four-game unbeaten run and could leapfrog Saints into sixth place.
• The earlier fixture at St Mary's ended 3-2 to Forest, with Simpson and Mary Bashford scoring for Southampton.
• Saints will wear their black and red third kit for the match, with Jodie Hunter as referee.