Southampton FC boss Allen 'proud' after Bristol City draw

Stenson, who was not named in England's under-23s squad earlier this month, produced countless saves to prevent high-flying Bristol City at Ashton Gate.

The 23 year old made some top saves to keep her fourth clean sheet of the season, twice denying Emily Syme.

“She was massive," Allen said when asked about her goalkeeper's role in securing a point. "That’s why we brought her in, she’s a top goalkeeper and she showed that today.

“It wasn’t just the saves for me, it was the way she led the line and organised the backline. She has been doing a lot of work on that.

“She was superb and she was there at the right time for us to make stops."

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Southampton FC Women goalkeeper Fran Stenson.  (Image: Stuart Martin) Although Stenson came in for the most praise, Allen was pleased with her entire squad of players for keeping a "great" Bristol City side at bay.

The boss heaped praise on her young players for giving maximum effort for 100 minutes having lost Paige Peake and Meg Collett to injuries during the game.

“I’m super proud," she explained. "Bristol City are a great side, I’ve got huge respect for them. I think they are the best side in the league.

“We knew coming here would be difficult. We know they load their line, they are aggressive and they have forwards who score bags of goals.

“I thought we defended solidly for 100 minutes and had a threat going the other way, albeit we had to absorb pressure all the time.

“I’m so proud of the players to come out of here with a draw. We knew we were going to sit in our block but we couldn’t be passive.

“I think we panicked a little bit in the first half because they are a great counter-pressing side. It’s not easy to come here and absorb that pressure.

“I’ve got kids on the pitch who worked for 100 and something minutes. We had 18, 19 year olds tracking players and putting tackles in.”