STEVE Robertson wants his Swindon Town Ladies to ‘fully charge’ at the FA Premier League South West Division One next season, after seeing their title hopes fade with a 3-1 defeat at Exeter Ladies.

Meg Vella gave Town the lead with 15 minutes gone in first half, but the Grecians were able to equalise before half-time.

After the break Swindon had a number of chances to take the lead again, forcing Exeter keeper Carley Barber into action frequently, as well as a couple of goalmouth scrambles.

Failure to take those chances was ultimately costly for Town, as Exeter scored from a set-piece and then added to it late on, running out 3-1 winners in the end.

Robertson was clearly disappointed by his side’s failure to win. It means though Swindon are still top, both Forest Green and Exeter can overtake them if they get positive results in their final two fixtures.

With Swindon’s title challenge seemingly now over, the Ladies boss is looking to get over their late-season slump and make a renewed challenge next term.

“The plan was always to get as close as we could this year and have a good run in the cups,” Robertson told the Advertiser.

“It was shame we came out of the cups for various reasons. We got through the first round of the FA Cup, which is what we wanted, and we got as close to the league as we can.

“Next season we fully, fully charge for the league. I’m not saying we’re going to win it, but next season is the year we want to go for the league.

“This year was all about building up for it and seeing how close we could get.

“We’re really impressed with how the girls are coming along. We travelled away to Exeter with 16 players, a full squad, we even had to leave someone out. All of those are top players, we’re not carrying anyone any more.

“We’ll look to build again next year. I’m happy, from where they’ve come on from where I took over them, I can’t complain too much.

“The fact is people want to be at a club that’s competing for the league. I’d rather be on the end of a sour one at the end of the season having competed, as opposed to having six games left that mean nothing.”