CHERRIES women have been knocked out of the Hampshire Senior Cup at the semi-final stage, losing 3-0 to higher league Southampton.

Saints sit a division higher than Cherries in the women's pyramid, and the difference in leagues quickly showed as the hosts took an early lead.

Katie Rood opened the scores after just nine minutes with a fantastic strike. Cutting in from the left wing, Rood overpowered Cherries keeper Sam Chrippes to give her side an early lead.

Southampton quickly doubled their advantage in the 17th minute when a dangerous Ella Morris free-kick was knocked in by Cherries’ Becki Bath, who was unable to prevent turning the ball past her own goalkeeper.

In control against lower league opposition, Saints took their foot of the pedal and allowed themselves to coast through to the final.

Shortly after the hour mark, Georgie Freeland smashed home a deflected Morris cross to ensure her side’s safe passage into the next round.

A clash with rivals Portsmouth awaits Southampton in the final.