For the first time in their Barclays FA Women’s Super League history, Tottenham Hotspur have won their third consecutive game, beating West Ham United 1-0 in a close encounter at The Chigwell Construction Stadium this afternoon.
Both sides were returning to action after an extended winter break thanks to games cancelled on either side and both made four changes to their last starting XIs. West Ham United bought in Laura Vetterlein, Katie Longhurst, Kenza Dali and Katerina Svitkova whilst Spurs handed starts to Josie Green, Gemma Davison, Rachel Williams and Jessica Naz, who was making her first start in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League.
As you would expect from two teams who have been difficult to separate in the last two seasons, it was a toughly fought contest with neither team able to take control of the game. Spurs were forced into an early change as Williams pulled up as she began a run down the right wing and she was replaced by Lucy Quinn. Having lost Alex Morgan at the end of her loan spell, Spurs are already short for strikers so this may increase the chances them of bringing in another before the current transfer window shuts. Conversely, the Spurs bench was looking light today which may put paid to the rumours of Anna Filbey going out on loan as both Kerys Harrop and Siri Worm were missing.
In the 34th minute, Spurs broke the deadlock when some neat play by Rosella Ayane on the edge of the box led to her delivering an accurate low cross to Alanna Kennedy who found herself bundled by two West Ham United defenders. Gemma Davison kept the ball in play and cut it back to Quinn who slotted home to give her side the lead.
Spurs retained their advantage going into half-time with West Ham United unable to trouble Rebecca Spencer in the visitors’ goal, their only shots going straight to the keeper.
Both teams made half-time substitutions with Adriana Leon coming on for Dali and Rianna Dean replacing Naz. The hosts had the better of the second half action though they still struggled to make Spencer work in the Spurs goal.
In the last 20 minutes, The Hammers really pushed for an equaliser but the Spurs defence remained resolute. Kit Graham replaced Quinn after 77 minutes and showed some spark for the visitors, linking up well with Dean after only a few minutes on the pitch.
In the end, neither team found the net again as Spurs recorded a third consecutive win which pulls them further away from the bottom of the table while West Ham United remain too close to bottom club Bristol City for comfort.
Olli Harder’s side face a tricky trip to Arsenal next weekend whilst Spurs, whose trip to Chelsea in midweek has again been postponed, this time due to The Blues’ involvement in the FA Women’s Continental League Cup, face Everton at The Hive on Sunday.
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