SOUTHAMPTON FC Women defender Meg Collett insisted her side can hold their heads high following their 3-0 pre-season defeat against Women's Super League side Arsenal.

Kyra Cooney-Cross' first half strike gave the Gunners the lead before Laia Codina hit a second half brace in a hard-fought battle which put Saints in good stead for the season.

The game was a good test for Remi Allen's side ahead of their opening game of the Women's Championship season against Bristol City.

Collett said: "We can be proud of our performance. Arsenal are a top, top side. We fought for each other in the tough moments.

"We had some great passages of play. We are disappointed with the goals we conceded - two set plays - but it's stuff for us to learn this week.

"It was really important to get that test against the best players. We limited them to not many moments. We can go away with our heads held high.

"We want to be a team who are on the ball a lot more than this. The gaffer is demanding on the high press.

"We will work on that this week and get more of the ball on the possession side. It was good to get my first 90 minutes before the season starts."