Durham Women claimed a vital three points on the road as they beat Southampton.
Rio Hardy’s stunning second half strike was enough for the Wildcats, who had to dig out to secure a first league away win since November.
Despite their triumph, Durham had to do their share of defending in the early stages as the Saints started strongly.
Lucia Kendall saw an early effort saved by Naoisha McAloon as the hosts applied plenty of pressure, albeit without really posing any major threats.
And the visitors grew into the game, seeing strong penalty appeals waved away after Sarah Robson was brought down in the box before Jess Clarke saw an effort saved after a looping cross from Beth Hepple.
Saoirse Noonan then warmed the palms of home stopper Kayla Rendell with a curling effort as Durham ended the first half strongly, and they continued that momentum after the restart.
Having started the second half as the better side, the Wildcats deservedly took the lead just after the hour mark.
Grace Ayre did well to retain possession before embarking on a surging run up the field, where she found Hardy in space – allowing the striker to power home an unstoppable effort.
A fair amount of defending then followed, as Southampton sent bodies forward in search of a leveller.
Beth Lumsden had a number of good opportunities, but the best chances of the late exchanges fell the way of Durham.
First Hepple saw a placed shot deflected wide after substitute Lily Crosthwaite’s set-back, before Maria Farrugia was denied by Rendell after a quick counter attack.
It mattered little though, as the Blues held on to claim a much-needed win.