Albion head coach Hope Powell was delighted after they secured a sixth place finish in the WSL by beating Bristol City 3-1 at The People’s Pension Stadium.

Goals from Maya Le Tissier and Lee Guem-Min had put the Seagulls two up, before substitute Abigail Harrison pulled one back for the visitors.

But with 15 minutes to go Inessa Kaagman scored from a free-kick to secure the win and a sixth place finish for Albion, with Reading who were above them being thumped 5-0 by Champions Chelsea.

But Powell felt her side to stuck to their game plan against Bristol.

She said: “I thought we did alright today (Sunday) and stuck to our game plan.

“We knew what they were going to bring and how a contest it was going to be.

“But we wanted to manage the game, stay calm and not get drawn into a real fight.

“I thought we did that well and played some nice football, won the game and got the three points, which means we finish sixth and we are all delighted.”

Guem-Min has struggled to score goals this season, but has finished the season by scoring three goals in her last two matches and Powell was delighted to see her end the campaign in style.

She said: “Well Lee had not scored this season bar last weekend and today(Sunday) so I am really pleased for her.

“Every game she plays she get better, she gets fitter and obviously Inessa has scored a lot of goals for us this season and most of those have been crucial.

“But I must say it has been a team effort from the players that start, that finish and sadly those that are injured.

“They have all played their part in where we are today and I am just really pleased for everyone at the club.”

Le Tisser put the hosts ahead in the seventh minute. The 19-year-old defender slotted the ball home from six yards following a corner.

Kayleigh Green, who was making her 50th WSL appearance for Albion, then dragged an effort wide, and also blasted over when she should have tested Robins keeper Sophie Baggaley.

Albion were now in full control of the game and continued to search for a second with Emma Koivisto and Emily Simpkins having efforts on goal in quick succession.

Ellie Brazil then found herself through on goal, only to be foiled by Baggaley.

The Seagulls doubled their advantage seven minutes into the second half through Geum-min.

Inessa Kaagman mishit an attempt at goal and Geum-min pounced to fire the ball off the underside of the crossbar and into the back of the net.

Substitute Harrison pulled one back for Bristol City just six minutes after coming off the bench, as she turned in a headed cross from Ebony Salmon from close range.

But Albion added a third with just under 15 minutes remaining.

Top-scorer Kaagman free-kick from 25 yards out was deflected, as she netted her eighth goal of the season, meaning City dropped into the second tier for the first time since 2016.

However, the victory for Albion coupled with Reading defeat to Chelsea meant they secured their highest ever league finish in the WSL.

Despite their league campaign being over Powell’s side still have the FA Cup to focus on, as they host Huddersfield in the Round of 16 at The People’s Pension Stadium on Sunday (12pm).

Albion (4-2-3-1): Fiskerstrand, Koivisto, Williams, Le Tissier, Gibbons, Kaagman, Simpkins, Brazil, Green (Bance,90), Whelan, Lee Geum-min Subs not used: Walsh, Roe, Kerkdijk, Connolly, Heroum, Jarrett, Symonds, Olding Bristol City (4-2-3-1): Baggaley, Bryson (Palmer,55), Sargeant, Evans, Purfield, Humphrey (Bissell, 55), Skeels (Allen, 90), Pike, Daniëls, Wellings (Harrison, 55), Salmon Subs not used: Haland, Wynne, Collis, Woolley.