Jade Widdows handed only the second red card in Moneyfields Womens’ history as unbeaten National League run is ended by Southampton

The former Portsmouth striker was dismissed for dissent shortly before half-time in a 2-0 Division 1 South West defeat against Southampton Women at AFC Totton.

That came after the referee had waved play on after she had been left on the ground in agony after being caught by a home challenge.

It was the club’s first red card since Alison Goater claimed the dubious honour of becoming the first ever Moneys player dismissed against Woodley in January 2019 - two years after the club was formed.

To compound the misery, Moneys skipper Ellie Kirby was sent to the sin-bin for asking the match official why he had shown Widdows a straight red.

‘Jade’s got a £45 fine and a two-match ban for getting kicked - it’s ridiculous,’ fumed Moneys boss Karl Watson.

‘It’s frustrating to lose when it’s not of our own undoing.’

Watson confirmed Moneys have lodged an official complaint regarding Widdows’ red card and other decisions to the Women’s National League.

Moneys were already trailing when Widdows was dismissed, and Southampton took advantage of their numerical advantage to double their lead in the second half.

Watson said: ‘I was proud of the girls in the second half, they were real heroes - they showed what Moneyfields is all about.’

With only the champions winning promotion, Moneys are now 10 points adrift of table-topping Cardiff City with a game in hand.

With that in mind, Watson believes victory over the Welsh club at Baffins Milton Rovers FC this coming Sunday (2pm) is imperative.

Widows will sit out that contest, as well as the following Sunday’s Women’s FA Cup tie at home to higher division Crawley Wasps.

Moneys will also be without striker Emma Pinner, with the former Southampton FC player requiring a knee operation.

‘If it wasn’t for injuries, Emma would be a Super League player,’ said Watson. ‘She’s had nothing but bad luck.’

With Pinner sidelined, Watson has signed former Southampton and Selsey forward Jane Yates.

Cardiff arrive on Portsea Island this weekend having won all seven of their league fixtures so far.