Wigan Athletic Women will 'take it on the chin' and bounce back from St Helens setback

Despite Molly Hassall opening the scoring at Leyland with only 12 minutes gone, Latics were pegged back by an equaliser three minutes before the break.

Two further goals in the second period from St Helens were enough to secure the trophy - but Young was far from downbeat in defeat.

“We've got to give credit where it's due to St Helens," she said. "They turned up and made it a scrap - I don't think it was a case of us not performing.

"I would've liked us to have created more chances, but on another day we do, and their goals didn't break us down, they almost came from nothing.

“Overall, the game was fairly even; they just got in a few more times than us and they took their chances.

"That said, our goal was very well worked and was an incredible finish. It's a tough one to take, but we take it on the chin and move on."

It’s a very rare setback for a team that won the double in their first season last term, and have again swept most before them during this campaign.

“If you think about the journey that we've gone on to get to the final, that in itself is pretty incredible.

"We've knocked Wigan Athletic Ladies & Girls out, Preston North End, Accrington Stanley, plus two other teams, but those three teams are all playing in the tier above us.

"We've surpassed each of those to get here today, and unfortunately, we just fell short on the day.

"A massive thank you for all of the support throughout the season, not just today. They come in their numbers, and I'm just disappointed we couldn't give them what they came for.

"We move on from it, we have the league and, hopefully, another cup final where we can put it right and make their journeys worthwhile.

"The support's been outstanding, and I can't thank the fans enough."