Chelsea have moved another step closer to the Barclays FA Women’s Super League title with a gritty 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Kingsmeadow this evening.
Beth England headed Chelsea into an early lead before Kerys Harrop pulled Spurs level just before the break. The scores were tied for a matter of seconds before Sam Kerr went straight up the other end and restored the hosts’ lead.
Chelsea started the game brightly but they came up against a committed and resolute Spurs defence. The Blues managed to break the deadlock in the 18th minute when England headed home following a cross from the left.
Emma Hayes’ side pushed forward in search of a second goal but were struggling to severely test visiting keeper Tinja-Riikka Korpela. When the Finnish international was tested, she produced a wonderful save, blocking Guro Reiten’s effort at full-stretch.
A minute before the break, there was a twist when Kyah Simon’s free-kick was headed in by Spurs defender Harrop. That proved to be just a moment of glory for the visitors with Chelsea going straight up the other end and regaining the lead courtesy of a Kerr header.
Spurs were much improved in the second half and Rosella Ayane saw a dangerous effort pushed to safety by home keeper Zećira Mušović. At the other end, Erin Cuthbert drilled an effort against the post while Kerr had the ball in the net only to be denied by the offside flag.
Chelsea were unable to extend their lead but it didn’t matter as they hung onto their narrow advantage to move four points clear at the top of the Barclays FA Women’s Super League table.
The Blues now travel to bottom club Birmingham City on Sunday for their next match while Spurs are also on the road with Rehanne Skinner’s side facing Everton.