SOUTHAMPTON FC Women were knocked out of the Adobe Women's FA Cup at the first hurdle after falling to a 3-0 defeat against league rivals Bristol City on Sunday.

Remi Allen’s side were unable to create another memorable FA Cup run as their four-game unbeaten streak was broken at a blustery Silverlake Stadium.

First half goals from Ella Powell and Libby Bance set the Robins on their way before a an own goal sealed Southampton's fate in the second half. 

The two sides had met already this season in the Barclays Women's Championship, with the score ending 1-1 on the opening day of the season.

Bristol City gained the upper hand in the opening moments as restricted the hosts to counter attacks through Molly Pike and Freya Gregory that came to nothing.

Fran Stenson did enough to prevent ex-Saint Lexi Lloyd-Smith by pushing her effort over the crossbar, but Bristol City weren't kept out for much longer.

Wales international Powell, fresh off qualifying for the Euros alongside Saints stars Rachel Rowe and Alice Griffiths, gave the away side the lead.

Her outstretched leg knocked a cutback in past Stenson before an unmarked Bance doubled their lead inside the space of five minutes.

Southampton won a free-kick on the stroke of halftime, giving them a rare sight of the Bristol City goal. Aimee Palmer stepped up but fired her effort into the wall.

They went closer with their next free-kick. Jemma Purfield's looped ball found the head of Paige Peake, but the defender could only bounce her header wide.

The hosts continued to push for a way back into the game but their momentum ground to a halt when Peake scored an unfortunate own goal.

She attempted to clear but her effort rolled over the line, all but sealing Bristol City's progression.

Saints: Stenson, Brown, Bourne, Mott (Peake 36), Purfield (c), Collett (Rowe 62), Peplow, Palmer (Griffiths 75), Kendall, Gregory (Thompson 75), Pike.

Unused subs: Haaland, Pettit, Nohasiarisoa, Watson.

Bristol City: Bentley, Powell, Mustaki (Thestrup 46), Struck, Rodgers (Teisar 84), Lloyd-Smith (Humphries 84), Napier (c), Bance, Ward (Bull 77), Syme, Morgan (Harrison 77).

Unused subs: Burns, Earl, Wooley.

Referee: Callum Parke.

Attendance: 488.