Hope Powell wants Albion to learn lessons of their FA Cup semi-final defeat.

But she said she was proud of their efforts in a 3-0 reverse to Arsenal.

The Seagulls reached half-time level against the free-scoring Gunners.

But two quick goals after the break put the tie beyond them as the hosts set up a Wembley final against arch rivals Chelsea.

It was a first semi-final for Albion as they make step-by-step progress in the women’s game.

Albion boss Powell said: “I think we had a go. In the first half we were probably a bit better than we were in the second but I will have to look at the game again.

“Credit to them. They are a great side and they had just too much for us today.

“They basically ran the show. When we had the ball it turned over too cheaply and too quickly.

“But I am very proud of the way we committed ourselves.”

Arsenal were on top for most of the 90 minutes.

Powell said: “It’s a lesson. We want to be able to compete against the likes of Arsenal and be really committed and make it a tough game.

“Those are the standards we are trying to reach so it’s a bit of a lesson, something we need to perhaps go away and work on, work a bit harder and maybe next time we have a better chance.”

For all their domination, Arsenal were not allowed too many clear chances in the first half.

Albion goalkeeper Megan Walsh made a fine save from Caitlin Foord.

Nikita Parris sent a hurried effort well wide after Walsh cleared the ball straight to her and Foord headed wide from a great position.

Beth Mead looked like she would trouble Walsh until Emily Simpkins slid in to challenge and the ball flew well off target.

But the closest the Gunners came to a breakthrough before the interval was on 38 minutes when Parris sent a header looping over Walsh but Victoria Williams got back to clear off the line.

Arsenal stepped up a gear at the start of the second half and, inside nine minutes, had scored twice.

Mead twisted away from Maya Le Tissier before crossing low for the opener.

Kim Little took a touch and poked the ball past Walsh from close range.

Mead went alone for the second, taking on Le Tissier and shooting low past Walsh.

The Albion keeper kept her side just about in the tie when she did well to push away a shot from close range.

It looked like her opposite number Manuela Zinsberger made a good save at the other end when she got fingertips to a shot by sub Emma Koivisto after she beat a defender.

However a goal kick was awarded.

Danielle Carter sent Koivisto away for that chance and she had to work hard as lone striker against her old club.

But the contest was over on 76 minutes when Leah Williamson headed home from a corner.