MK Dons Women were beaten 3-1 by Southampton in their opening FAWNL Southern Premier Division fixture of the season.

Mollie Coupar got on target for the Dons but it proved nothing more than a consolation against a ruthless Saints side who are favourites for promotion this term.

Lucia Kendall put Southampton ahead on the half-hour mark before doubling hers and the home side’s tally with a powerful strike just seven minutes later.

The Saints then made it three on 68 minutes when Ella Pulsey drove a finish past Amy Martin.

MK Dons did get on the scoresheet with 18 minutes left to play after Jade Bell was fouled inside the box. Coupar stepped up to confidently dispatch the Dons’ first goal of the campaign.

Charlie Bill’s side will look to respond this Sunday when they take on Bridgwater United in their opening home game of the season.

MK Dons: Martin, Boote (Newsome 65), Neal (Taho 80), Bright, Giddings, Albert (Gould 65), Pepper, Bell, Stovold (Mills 80), Coupar, Netschova.

Goal: Coupar (pen 72)