Tottenham Hotspur made tough work of their Vitality Women’s FA Cup fifth round tie against Sheffield United with Rehanne Skinner’s side needing extra-time to defeat The Blades 2-1 at The Hive this afternoon.
Despite dominating the game, Spurs’ poor form in-front of goal almost cost them as Sheffield United ran them all the way.
Spurs started the game brightly and dominated possession for most of the first half but it wasn’t until the 30th minute that they were able to take advantage when Lucy Quinn completed a team move to give Skinner’s side the lead.
In the final five minutes of the first half, Sheffield United pushed forward and had their first forays into the final third but they weren’t able to really threaten the home side’s goal as the half finished 1-0.
The second half started with much of the same. Spurs should have extended their lead but Cho So-hyun misfired on a couple of occasions and the North Londoners were struggling to get players into the box to trouble a resolute Sheffield United side, allowing them to stay in the game. Ten minutes before the end of normal time, Spurs keeper Becky Spencer came right to the edge of her box to make a clearance but was charged down by Lucy Watson. The ball deflected behind Spencer and Watson finished into the empty net.
The goal galvanised The Blades and took them into extra-time which was a much more open affair as both teams pushed for a winner. The first period of extra-time produced no goals, however, Spurs took the lead once again in the 109th minute as Jess Naz crossed from the right wing and found the head of Kit Graham at the near post.
After the second goal, Spurs took control once again and in the closing minutes of the game, they returned to some good passing play. Skinner’s side held out for a 2-1 win and they will be relieved to have got over the line in what was a hard-fought game. The North Londoners can now look forward to the quarter-finals for only the second time in their history.
Sheffield United will be disappointed to have lost the match after pushing Spurs so close but ultimately, the better team won on the day. Neil Redfearn’s side will take heart from their performance as they look to push for promotion from the FA Women’s Championship next season.