BASINGSTOKE Town Ladies wearing their brand new kit thanks to sponsors 1 Space suffered defeat in their opening game in the Women’s Premier League South West Division One campaign.

The Ladies lost 4-2 in the end to visiting Southampton Saints in their first ever game at this level.

It started so well for the home side, who took the lead after three minutes, as Josette Pearmine stole the ball from a defender and struck the ball from 25 yards into the top corner.

Four minutes before the break, Charlotte Powell’s corner was met by a powerful diving header by Pearmine as the Ladies doubled their advantage.

Then just on the stroke of half-time Saints pulled a goal back, as Rebecca Bath found space on the edge of the box and struck the bottom corner.

Eight minutes after the break, the visitors levelled things after a long ball over the top was volleyed home by Leanne Lapham.

Southampton completed the victory thanks to Catherine Browning and Krystal Whyte nine minutes from time.

Manager Robert Quilter said: “We showed a lot of promise, started very well but faded towards the end.

“They scored right on half time which changed the game, until then we dominated. We had a lot of people watching which was good, we hope that continues.”

The Ladies are in action again at the Ark Cancer Charity Stadium on Sunday (2pm) when they face Chippenham Town Ladies in the League Cup.