Watford Ladies assistant manager Lauren Davey says ending a 13-match losing run with victory over London Bees can be a huge encouragement for the players to end the season with more wins.

The Lady Hornets had not tasted victory in any competition since May before Sunday's 3-2 win over the Bees in the FA Women's Super League Cup – a competition they knew they could not progress in.

Ellie Mason and former Bee Anneka Nuttall gave John Salomon's side a 2-0 lead after 27 minutes before Gemma Fraser pulled one back for the hosts.

Tricia Gould restored Watford's two-goal advantage only for Kate Bowers set up a tense finish with 15 minutes remaining.

Speaking afterwards, former goalkeeper Davey said: “It’s one of those things, when you don’t win for a while it almost becomes a habit.

"We’ve got over the line in a game that was tight in the end and got that victory. It’s now a huge encouragement for the girls that we can go on and start winning more games.

“Although we knew we couldn’t progress further in the competition, it’s massive for us to get three points. I think it was an impressive overall team performance and I’m chuffed with it."

All three Watford goals came from distance and it was clearly not by chance, with Davey admitting afterwards the coaching staff had encouraged the players to be positive from the outset.

She said: “That’s what we know we can get from the girls. We’ve got great quality in the squad so it’s good that it’s reaping its rewards now.

“We wanted to be positive and get at them today, so I’m pleased with the girls that they were shooting at every opportunity because that’s how you win games.”

Watford will take their new found positivity into Sunday's trip to second-placed Reading, who trail league leaders Doncaster Rovers Belles by three points.