Allen pleased with chances created in Southampton’s win against Sheffield United | OneFootball

Remi Allen was pleased with her side’s performance as they defeated Sheffield United 2-0 at St Mary’s Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Saints claimed their first home win of the season in the Barclays Women’s Championship. Freya Gregory and Rianna Dean got the goals in the second half.

When speaking to WSL Full-Time after the match, Southampton boss Allen expressed her satisfaction with her side’s performance, particularly with their possession and chance creation. She also highlighted the areas that need improvement in their defensive play out of possession.

“I’m pleased with us in possession for large spells of the game,” Allen said. “I think we could kill games off a little bit quicker. I think we had many chances, but it’s pleasing that we’re creating the chances because we didn’t beforehand, so loads to take from that.

“I think from an out-of-possession point of view, there’s still work to do. I’ll always be pushing to make us better regardless of the scoreline. We’re happy, we’re in a good place but there are still areas to improve and kick on with.”

Reflecting on the impact of the substitutes who came on during the game; Rachel Brown, Paige Peake and Rianna Dean, Allen was pleased with how the trio integrated themselves into the contest.

She said “I think everyone that came on impacted the game. They obviously knew the game plan and knew what they needed to do.

“I’m delighted for Rianna [Dean], it’s amazing for her to come on [and score]. She’s a nine, she wants to score goals and she’s managed to come on and score goals. I thought Paige’s [Peake] pass selection was excellent while she was on the pitch, so she implemented exactly what we wanted and then Rachel [Brown] came in to steady the ship like she always does. She’s got good knowledge of the game and she sort of sits back in a little bit and is a little bit more defensive when we need it. I was really pleased for all of them with their responses and reactions to coming on.”

Southampton were backed by over 1,500 fans at St Mary’s Stadium and Allen is grateful for their continued support.

She said “They were brilliant. I got booked and I could hear them chanting my name which was fantastic. I could hear them throughout the game as well and then you see the goals going in and they erupt. Hopefully, we excited the fans today with our performance. We’re going to need them again; the games are coming thick and fast, so hopefully, we’ve got loads there on Thursday.”

Southampton are back in action on Thursday evening when they play host to London City Lionesses in the Women’s League Cup.