Watford Ladies manager John Salomon insists he could not ask any more from his team despite losing 3-1 at home to Reading which ensured the side will finish bottom of the Women's Super League Two.

The Golden Girls cannot be relegated though because the league is expanding next season with nine teams in Super League One.

Speaking to the club website after Sunday's defeat to second-placed Reading, Salomon said: “I’m really pleased with the performance.

“We couldn’t have asked for any more from all the players on the pitch, some of them ran themselves into the ground.

“Reading were chasing promotion so they were always going to be up for the game and ready to perform for the victory.

“The result is disappointing but from a performance point of view, we couldn’t have asked for anything more from the individuals. That says everything about the players we’ve got working hard for us at this club.”

The opening goal of the match came when Melissa Fletcher volleyed the ball home despite protests from Watford players over a push in the build-up.

Reading extended their lead in the second half when Helen Ward found space in the six-yard box and fired home.

The hosts were awarded a penalty when Ellie Mason was fouled in the area and she picked herself up to score from the spot.

But Rachel Rowe netted Reading's third goal to clinch the points despite a spirited showing from Watford.

With no chance of finishing higher the pressure is off and Salomon hopes his players can express themselves in the last two games starting with a trip to Durham on Sunday.

He said: “With the season coming to an end, the pressure is off us.

"I think what you’re starting to see is some of the players now expressing themselves that little bit more.

“Ultimately, we want to get six more points on the board before the season finishes and we know that the players are capable of doing that.”