Allen challenges Saints Women forward Thompson to 'kick on' after hat-trick

SAINTS Women boss Remi Allen hopes Emma Thompson can "kick on" after scoring a hat-trick in their 4-0 win over Portsmouth on Sunday.

Thompson, 20, scored her first senior treble to help Saints secure their first win in the league cup and a sixth consecutive derby day victory.

The England youth international is yet to start a game in the league this season but Allen admitted Thompson's performance at Westleigh Park has given her more to consider.

The Chelsea academy graduate scored three Championship goals in her first season at Saints, all of those coming at the tail end of the campaign.

Allen now wants her forward to use the international break to build on the confidence she gained against Portsmouth.

READ MORE: Saints Women cruise past Portsmouth in 4-0 League Cup win

She told Southampton's club media: “We had two shots beforehand and she (Thompson) blocked them both.

"I joked with her and said ‘Did you not want anyone else to score?’, I’m really happy for her.

"The first and second goals were really good finishes. It’s very pleasing and good confidence for her.

"Now she can kick on in the international break. It gives me questions, that’s the point of these games, we want players to showcase themselves.

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"We know that if we get her in and around the box, she has lovely ability. She showed that and I’m really pleased for her."

She continued: “It was a satisfying win in horrible conditions on a 3G pitch. It was one of those games where you felt it could be ugly.

"There were times when it was. The good thing for us is that we killed the game off in the first half.

"That’s something we have lacked in the previous games. I’m really pleased that we have beaten Pompey and got the three points.

"I’m still striving for more. There were spells in the game when I wasn’t particularly happy.

“They didn’t have many opportunities but we could have been better on the ball.

"I will give them a little bit because the conditions were horrible. I’m pleased but we need to deliver more.”