Chelsea Women's Under-18s, who play in the PGA Under-21 Women's League, were ahead after 37 minutes through Annie Boichat and established a two-goal advantage shortly after the interval thanks to Aysia Matabaro's strike.

Rebekah Pierce and Jahmya Putman added further goals in the second half as Chelsea secured a third successive league victory.

The Blues showed a positive attitude and desire to remain organised throughout, working hard for the full 90 minutes to overcome a difficult Southampton side during a busy period of fixtures.

Bright start rewarded

Chelsea made a positive start and moved in front after 37 minutes. A corner from the right was delivered into the Southampton box by Sadie Gregory, causing disruption in the six-yard area. Boichat made a powerful run into the box and met the delivery with a well-struck header to give the Blues the lead.

Chelsea continued to work hard and remain organised for the remainder of the first half, taking a deserved one-goal advantage into the interval. The Blues doubled their advantage two minutes into the second half following some good work to regain possession.

Carla Gardiner applied pressure to a backwards pass following a Southampton throw-in, with Putman also involved in pressing to win the ball. Putman then drove forward down the left before finding Pierce on the edge of the box.

Pierce switched play to Matabaro, who showed good footwork to take the ball beyond the Southampton full-back before firing a powerful low shot past the goalkeeper. Chelsea continued to move the ball with purpose, and a third goal arrived on 63 minutes.

Elise Christian and Keira Johnson combined well down the left to circulate possession around the box, creating space with positive speed of play and patience. Putman attempted to spin her defender and shoot, but her effort was blocked.

Pierce was well placed to regain possession and, after taking a few close touches to unbalance her opponent, rolled her defender before shooting from just outside the area. Her powerful left-footed effort dipped underneath the bar to extend Chelsea's lead.

Putman completes the scoring

There was still time for one more as Chelsea added a fourth five minutes from time.

Quick ball movement and fluid rotations created space for the Blues to attack down the right through Maisie Brickell, Tess Finn and Zoe Ciccardini. Ciccardini looked to find Matabaro's run beyond the defensive line, but Southampton recovered and played the ball back towards their goalkeeper.

Good pressure from Gardiner and Matabaro then forced another regain. Matabaro's initial effort was saved by the Southampton goalkeeper, but Putman was well positioned to capitalise and finish first time.

What it means

The result means Chelsea Women Under-18s have taken maximum points from their opening three Professional Game Academy South League matches, with nine points and a strong goal difference.

What's next?

Chelsea's next fixture sees us travel to face Swindon Town in the Women's National League Cup on Sunday.

Team

Chelsea Women Under-18s (4-3-3): Bella Bartlett; Elise Christian, Sadie Gregory (Emelia Addison 64’), Annie Boichat (Maisie Brickell 45’), Zoe Ciccardini; Tess Finn, Belle Sullivan (c) (Kiera Johnson 45’), Stevie Sinclair (Rebekah Pierce 45’); Jahmya Putman, Chelsea N’Drin (Carla Gardiner 45’), Aysia Matabaro.

Scorers: Boichat 37; Matabaro 47; Pierce 63; Putman 85

Manager: Leanne Champ