Asato Miyagawa scored the only goal of the game when a brilliant goal-line stop from Jess Simpson left a gap at the near post for the substitute to slot home.

Saints were left to rue their missed chances, with Mary Bashford skimming the crossbar amongst many more good chances.

Simon Parker made two changes from the side that beat Bristol City 2-0 last month, with Michaela McAlonie and Amy Goddard replacing Chloe Peplow and Tegan McGowan.

Amy Merricks also made two changes from the Blues' 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace; Hannah Silcock and Ocėane Hurtrė coming in for Martha Harris and Lotta Lindstrom.

Aimee Palmer had a big chance after four minutes when Ellie Brazil broke down the right wing and squared the ball into the box, forcing Adrianna Franch into a terrific save.

Brazil again found room through the Birmingham back line when she dinked the ball past Rebecca Holloway after 12 minutes, forcing Franch off her line to snuff out the danger.

Miscommunication between Franch and Neve Herron nearly gifted the hosts an opening goal, but Bashford could only poke behind for a goal...