SAINTS FC Women striker Katie Wilkinson insisted it's "important" to have matches like the 5-0 win over Reading on Sunday.

The hosts put in a commanding display at St Mary's against a struggling Reading side to move within a point of leaders Sunderland in the Championship.

Wilkinson struck twice in the first half and also contributed two assists for Saints on an excellent afternoon for Marieanne Spacey-Cale's side.

Speaking to club media, Wilkinson claimed: "It was enjoyable to play in. We had a lot of the ball and created a lot of chances.

"I think we spoke about it in the week wanting to add a few more goals to my tally and it was nice to get a couple of assists as well. I enjoy doing that just as much.

"We did mention that I like a header so that was nice. I would have loved to have scored a hat trick but maybe on another day."

The 29 year old has now scored eight goals in the Championship this season with only Crystal Palace's Elise Hughes and Sheffield United's Isobel Goodwin netting more.

She continued: "I think it was just nice to get bodies high up the pitch. We had a lot of chances going forward and a few different goalscorers so it’s always nice for everyone to chip in.

"It’s important to have games like that. We’ll take it into the next league game when we get in on Tuesday. We’ll try and take that momentum and see where we end up."