SAINTS defender Laura Rafferty claims this season has been a "massive learning curve" for the squad as they achieved their highest-ever Championship finish.

The goal at the beginning of the season for Saints was to achieve promotion to the Women's Super League.

But inconsistent form throughout the season has led to Marieanne Spacey-Cale's side just missing out by finishing fourth.

Speaking to club media after the 2-0 defeat to runners-up Charlton Athletic on the final day, Rafferty insists there are "positives" to take going forward.

She said: "Our ambition is to get promoted. But if you take the positives in terms of this being our highest number of points and the highest league place, there are still strides being taken.

"I think if you are in the environment as well and you can see each player growing day by day, that's fantastic to see.

"I'm probably one of the older ones in the squad and I can see young players maturing. I can see players taking different roles.

"There's been a massive learning curve this year as well, which has been fantastic. That's what we need to focus on moving forward."

A brace from Charlton's Tegan McGowan was the difference between the sides at the Valley but the scoreline was not enough to earn the Addicks the title.

Crystal Palace's 0-0 draw at home to Sunderland earned them the title and with it promotion to the top flight.

Rafferty continued: "We know that Charlton is a tough opponent, and it was never going to be easy.

"We had two teams fighting for second place. We wanted to finish on a high and unfortunately, that didn't happen. It would have been nice to finish for the win.

"But we have a dressing room full of a disappointed squad, which is natural, but when we look back at where we've come from to where we are, we've got to take the positives.

"I think that we've shown a lot of character this year and we've taken some good points, good wins. We need to take that forward. There's been a lot of growing and learning."

The Northern Ireland international is now looking ahead to the challenge of improving again next year as they look to take the next step towards promotion.

She added: "We have seen so many good moments. It's another year under the belt, and we have got to climb for the next year and look at our perspective going forward."