ALBION star Megan Connolly believes that the club has improved massively in the last year.

The Seagulls have won 14 of their 30 WSL games since the start of 2021 and could still set a new points record this season, all they need to do is win one more game.

Connolly told the club website: “The last few seasons we have been slowly building up the quality in the squad and where we are in the league.

The Argus: Brighton and Hove Albion's Megan ConnollyBrighton and Hove Albion's Megan Connolly

“This season we know there are some games where we would be the underdog, but there will also be games where we are expected to win based on what we’ve shown we can do.

“We struggled in the middle of the season. I think you can put that down to being expected to win and then not, which is something we have to learn to deal with. If we want to be a team competing at the top, you’ve got to be at your best even when you’re facing the teams at the wrong end of the table.

“But this season we have expectation of ourselves and we’ve seen the improvements on and off the field.

“Where we need to grow as a team is when we’re not playing well but still pulling together to get a result. I don’t think we’ve reached that level yet. I think it’s a transitional phase, going from the underdog to expected winners.”

Albion won their weekend match against West Ham United and leapfrogged them into sixth position.