SAINTS Women boss Simon Parker hailed his players’ “resolve and adaptability” after they kept their slim play-off hopes alive with a 5-2 win over Sheffield United.
With the game level at 2-2 entering the 85th minute, the south coast side netted three times before the final whistle to secure all three points.
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The result leaves Saints four points adrift of third place, although Crystal Palace and Newcastle have played one game fewer.
Despite keeping their hopes of a promotion play-off intact, Parker admitted Saints will need more than a small slice of luck to earn one.
“It was so tough today. We started well, but it only took about four minutes for us to lose momentum and become too passive,” Parker told the Daily Echo.
“We had to make tactical changes and become more aggressive after going 1-0 down, and they adapted really well to that. It added more energy and purpose to our play.
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“To be 2-1 up at half time was justified with how we finished that half. But then they made changes and started to dominate again.
“They were definitely on top in the second half, so we had to readjust again, and we showed real resolve to finish strongly.
“From here, all we can do is push for those remaining six points and finish as high in the table as we can.
“We know it’s very unlikely because of the points gap, the games they all have in hand, and the form they’re in.
“You never know what might happen. Palace could lose every game, but we’ll just focus on ourselves and achieve progress where we can.”