SAINTS missed several chances as they were knocked out of the Women’s FA Cup, losing their first game at St Mary’s 4-1 to Coventry United.

Marieanne Spacey’s side had much the better of a goalless first-half in front of a crowd of 3,149 which included Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl.

But the home side’s profligacy was punished in the second half by a Coventry side that plays two levels higher in the Women’s Championship.

Fiona Worts scored a second-half hat-trick before Rachel Panting scored a stunning consolation for Saints, driving a 25-yarder into the top corner.

Saints striker Ella Pusey could have had a first-half hat-trick.

She sidefooted wide her first chance and then failed to get the ball out from under her feet after being put through, before putting a half-volley over the bar with the goal at her mercy.

Southampton goalkeeper Kayla Rendell tipped over the bar from Amber Hughes and a great challenge from Caitlin Morris also ensured it remained level at half-time.

Ella Morris impressed with her runs from right-back and early in the second half she ran through the middle before setting up Pusey, who was unable to go round Sue Wood.

Rachel Panting fired a rasping drive at Wood, but in the 55th minute Shannon O’Brien gave Coventry the lead with a first-time 20 yarder into the far corner.

A slick Saints build-up ended with Sophia Pharoah firing into the sidenetting.

But Worts doubled Coventry’s lead on the hour, tapping in at the near post, before driving in the third and then completing her treble in injury time.

Panting responded with the goal of the afternoon to give the record crowd something to cheer at the end of a match played in torrential rain throughout.

SAINTS WOMEN: Rendell, E Morris, Whitton (Parnell 83), Williams (Alberry 70), Pusey, Sievwright, Pharoah, C Morris, Ware (Woods 80), Panting, Evans