SAINTS Women boss Remi Allen admitted she was "proud" of their performance despite losing 1-0 to London City Lionesses on Thursday evening.

A late save from Kayla Rendell looked to have sent the Group C game to a bonus point penalty shootout.

However, with five minutes of regular time remaining, Maddi Wilde capitalised on a set-piece to grab a late winner for Jocelyn Prêcheur's side.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Allen revealed her belief that Saints could have won the game but were punished for switching off. 

She said: "It is disappointing but this is the level. You switch off for a second and you get punished. Other than that, I was really proud of how the team played.

"Especially when there are loads of changes, I felt they dealt with that really well. I thought we did enough to win the game. It's frustrating but I'm proud of the performance.

"I'm competitive. I want to win every game that I play. Sometimes the cup is a chance to try things and experiment.

"We respect the opponent and the cup we are in. We went out there to win the game and I felt we were really close to doing that. I think the whole team applied themselves really well.

"We had a couple coming back from injury and we had a player in Kayla Nohasiarisoa, from the under-21s, who has been training with us. To get her on the pitch and give her that experience was great."

Saints are without a game this weekend due to receiving a bye as a result of Reading pulling out of the league, leaving the division with only 11 teams.

They are next in action on Sunday, October 13 when they travel to Fratton Park to take on rivals Portsmouth.

"Nothing really changes," Allen explained when asked if their plans will differ. "They will get Sunday off, which they are really pleased about. The games come thick and fast, it's an intense season.

"When we can give them a day off and some family time, I like to do that. We've got a derby to look forward and we will make sure that they are ready."