SAINTS Women's goalkeeper Beth Howard has joined fellow Women's Championship side Watford on an emergency loan.

Howard will join the Hornets on a short-term, four-week loan deal as they battle to survive in the league with six games remaining.

Head coach, Marieanne Spacey-Cale explained: "This move has come about quite quickly, but it's a fantastic opportunity for Beth to play some more minutes over the next few weeks.

"She's already proved her ability at this level with us, and we wish her well for this period where she will benefit from more regular playing time at an important part of the season."

Howard has featured six times for the club this season and kept a clean sheet in the 3-0 win against her new club Watford on January 21.

Saints hope the move will provide Howard with a valuable opportunity to get some game time in a critical stage of the season.