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Spacey-Cale: We were brave

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Marieanne Spacey-Cale was especially proud of how far her side pushed FA WSL opposition in the Vitality Women's FA Cup on Sunday afternoon, eventually losing out 3-2 to Birmingham City.

Saints found themselves three goals down at one point, before fighting back to reduce the deficit by two, and giving their top-flight counterparts a real scare late on.

Spacey-Cale described the performance as "courageous", considering the gulf in divisions between the two sides, with Saints three tiers below Blues in the league system.

"It's testament to the players and the staff, and the club, that I'm stood here today disappointed that we didn't get something from the game," Spacey-Cale said.

"Definitely proud, because we came back into the game. Another five minutes, who knows what could have happened?

"We had to earn the right today, which I think we did in the second half. Very proud of the whole squad effort.

"These girls keep pushing, we know what we can do. A lot of learning has taken place today. Being brave and being courageous.

"You come to these games with a desire to win, but also a desire to show what you're capable of. Everybody should be extremely proud of the effort.

"Today we spoke about being the underdog. When we play in the league, the expectation is so high. So it's really different to come into the game as underdogs.

"Play with freedom, it's a no lose situation. The most important thing is we gave a great account of ourselves. We've got to maintain those standards now."