FORWARD Lexi Lloyd-Smith claimed Saints Women have "come a long way" this season despite being beaten 3-1 by Manchester United in the FA Cup.

The substitute scored the equaliser midway through the second half to give Southampton FC hope of a cup upset - but the Women's Super League side were ultimately too strong in the end.

Lloyd-Smith admitted it has been "great" to test themselves against WSL teams this season with focus now turning to the Championship run-in.

She told the Daily Echo: "It’s great to come up against these tough opponents and against the Super League teams, it’s only a building block. 

"We have come a long way since the start of this season. It was amazing. I came on at half-time 1-0 down.

"I wanted to go on with some excitement and be brave. I felt we just needed that one goal back to kind of boost the atmosphere a bit."

Saints travel to fellow-promotion contenders Birmingham City next week in the Championship and the 20 year old insists they will be "ready" for another crunch encounter.

Speaking to Southampton's club media, she added: "We stuck together as a team, and we really went for it.

"We have got a tough game next week against Birmingham and we’ll be ready for next week. It’s only up from here."

Manager Marieanne Spacey-Cale praised young right back Megan Collett for her performance against on Sunday.

The 18 year old made two important blocks on the line to keep the score down before being withdrawn in place of Ella Morris.

"She is a great talent. Megan is a Southampton goal through and through. She will take a lot of pride in her performance.

"She has showcased what she can do. She is a fantastic girl. She trains well, she recovers well, she does everything you want.

"She sets the standard for the rest of the squad as a young player. I am really proud of her. We had to protect her a little by bringing her off against United."