'We must now focus on the run in' - Beard.

🎥  Beard reacts to Vitality Women's FA Cup defeat

Brighton and Hove Albion grabbed the game’s only goal midway through the second half courtesy of an Inessa Kaagman penalty, the referee pointing to the spot after an adjudged handball in the area from Naomi Layzell.

“I thought first half we started a bit slow but then we did ok. Brighton were better after the goal, but there wasn’t anything in the game for me,” said Beard.

“I need to have a look back at the penalty incident because Nai (Naomi Layzell) has said it hasn’t hit her arm. I think the referee has had a big impact on the game today and no one really looked like scoring or winning the game, even though we have hit the post and arguably had the better chances.

“The referee has had a big impact on the game today, which is disappointing because we have put so much into the performance and we’ve got nothing from the game.

“I said to the girls after the game that this is a great competition to be involved in, but the next three games are so important if we’re to stay in the WSL.

“We need to channel the disappointment from this into the final three games of the season.”

The Robins were boosted by the return of centre-back Meaghan Sargeant, who returned to the pitch for the first time in 15 months as well as Ebony Salmon getting valuable minutes in the tank ahead of the final three fixtures.

“I’m delighted for Meaghan Sargeant to make her return to the pitch. Unfortunately, we lost Charlie Wellings at half-time but that more of a precaution.

He added: “I thought Naomi Layzell came on and she was excellent for such a young player, so I’m pleased with a lot of things from today. Obviously, Ebs (Ebony Salmon) got another 55-60 minutes in her legs today on the route back from her recovery, so that puts us in a good positon for the run in.

City Women travel to the Banks’ Stadium on Saturday afternoon to take on Aston Villa (12:30pm KO) as the Robins embark on their final three games of the Barclays FA Women’s Super League season.