Welcome to Southampton
On Sunday the 8th January, Saints played away in a behind closed doors friendly against WSL side Brighton. The friendly was a good warm up for our return to league action this weekend against Lewes at home. Despite our form in the Conti Cup, it showed that we CAN compete against the bigger sides when we have a fully fit squad to call on. Ella Morris did Ella Morris things and headed home in just 3 minutes from kick off; this was followed by an impressive defensive display, meaning the team came away with a confidence building win. Well done girls! Amongst the midst of the lineup there was a trialist, and down to narrowing it looks like it was in fact recently announced signing Beth Howard. Already showing her experience by keeping a clean sheet against Brighton!
Who is Beth Howard?
Beth Howard is a 27 year old goalkeeper from FA Womens National League team, Bridgwater United where she has spent multiple seasons as their first choice keeper. In the 2022/23 season Beth has played 11 matches for Bridgwater, winning 4 of those matches, 3 being clean sheets and drawing 3. In last seasons National League season she kept a total of 15 clean sheets. Beth has been described as an ‘unsung hero’ after playing a match against WSL giants Manchester United back in 2022. Bridgwater may have lost 2-0 that day but she was able to showcase her talent on a wider scale. Taking a quote from HerFootballHub.com;
Deservingly, after the game against Man United, the 26 year-old received praise not only from neutral fans, but the opposition ones too” just goes to show the quality of player Beth is and I’m excited to see what she brings to Saints. Before Beth played at Bridgwater she was part of WSL side Yeovil Town, she played their in the 2012/13 season before going to university in America for 4 years. During her time in America she played and captained her Universities ‘soccer’ team. Her team went on to win their first ever MAAC (Metro Atlantic Sports Conference) soccer championships where she was also awarded MVP. In 2017, Beth re-signed for Yeovil Town which was the team she played for until she signed to the newly formed Bridgwater team after Yeovil disbanded. Reading that back just goes to show that Beth has a lot of experience in the highest of levels like in the WSL and against a variety of different talents and I’m looking forward to seeing her play this season.
Welcome to Southampton, Beth!
SHANNON STEPHEN
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