SAINTS FC Women boss Marieanne Spacey-Cale praised the whole squad for contributing to the 3-1 win over London City Lionesses in front of a league-record attendance at St Mary's.

The hosts put in a commanding display on Sunday to make it back-to-back wins and send the 3,416-strong crowd home happy.

Molly Pike and Emma Thompson struck in the first half to put Saints two goals to the good before substitute Rianna Dean added a late third.

Spacey-Cale admitted she was "very pleased" with the victory but wants Saints to finish the season with a win against Charlton Athletic next week to show her side's progression.

She told the Daily Echo: "It was a good performance, two different halves, but that's football sometimes, sometimes you've got to play with the ball and defend well without the ball.

"We are pleased that we've shown to our supporters that kind of performance. Certainly for next week as well, because there's a big game.

"To see the work that we did on the training pitch come to fruition on the pitch today was rewarding for the players because they're the ones that are out there doing that.

"I think if we can finish higher than (last season's sixth-placed finish), then we've progressed."

Despite Saints looking in control for the majority of the game, London City Lionesses threatened a late fightback when Leanne Cowan pulled a goal back.

The 58 year old was delighted with the response of her side after that setback and was happy for Dean to get on the scoresheet following her injury.

She added: "I was pleased we got the third goal because I thought it just eased some of the pressure on us.

"London City came back into the game well and sometimes you've just got to take that bit of pressure and then build back again.

"So for Dean to come off the bench, and get a goal is great for her because she's worked really hard in rehab.

"But for everyone today, the whole squad, not just those that were on the pitch, but everyone that was off the pitch as well, everyone's worked hard to get us that result today."

Spacey-Cale continued: "It was a fantastic crowd today, and we're proud of our supporters that turn up week in, week out whether that's at home or away, and they travel.

"We are pleased that we could sign off at home with a good win. Now we want them to travel to Charlton next week and give us that support again."

A win against Charlton on Sunday, April 28 could mean Saints finish as high as second in the Championship if results go their way.