Blackburn Rovers are five points clear of the relegation place in the Barclays Women’s Championship after beating Southampton 1-0.
Rovers’ Tia Primmer was denied by a superb low save from goalkeeper Fran Stenson, then had penalty appeals waved away after Lucy Johnson went down in in the box.
Saints’ Chloe Peplow struck a powerful effort which Ellie Noble threw herself in the way off, as the first half ended goalless.
Maria Edwards came off the bench for Blackburn and was involved as the breakthrough was made on 57 minutes, although it eventually went down as an own-goal with Jemma Purfield getting the last touch.
Primmer’s shot was charged down by Megan Collett and Blackburn held on for three precious points with Aimee Palmer’s shot flashing just past Alex Brooks’ post.
The result has Rovers five points better off than basement side Sheffield United and lifts them above Portsmouth by two points, with Pompey having played one game more.
