A physical London derby saw Spurs Ladies come out on top and retain their position at the top of the FA Women’s Championship. The winner scored by forward Jessica Naz provided the home side with their 7th victory of the season.
Both teams started the game off strong with chances coming from both ends of the field, however, the first chance of the game fell to Charlton, with Lily Agg’s powerful effort on goal, from just outside the box, going inches over the cross bar, very nearly making it 1-0 earlier on in the game.
Early Setback
It was the home side however who struck first in the 23rd minute, Naz grabbing her first of the season.
The Spurs forward doing very well in regaining possession of the ball 30 yards out from goal, driving at the heart of the Addick’s defence, before taking on keeper Katie Startup to slot the ball into the back of the net making it 1-0.
The visitors had a chance to equalize soon after that with a freekick, however April Bowers could not convert her effort on goal.
Pressure On
Half an hour in and Spurs had a series of promising chances to double their lead. A free kick from captain Jenna Schillaci initially saved by Startup, but rebounded into the path off Josie Green, who took a close range shot only to find the crossbar and go out of play.
Moments later another close chance for the home side on top of the game, saw a header from Renee Hector just cleared off the line with many shouts claiming it had crossed the line, the officials however were not convinced.
A dominant first half display from the home side was enough to ensure they go in at the break leading by 1 goal to 0.
Second Half
The home side continued their dominance early in the second half, this time another ball into the box from Naz was won by Sarah Wiltshire in the midst of Charlton’s defense but again Spurs’s effort on goal hitting the woodwork.
The pace of the game gradually started to descend midway through the second half, with the visitors starting to gain more possession and a bit of momentum, creating chances of their own, however nothing to worry the opposing keeper.
Late Drama
Just after the hour mark there were shouts for a Charlton penalty as Agg was brought down in the box, however the referee waved the claims away, leaving head coach Riteesh Mishra bewildered.
A yellow card was handed out to April Bowers after a mis-timed challenge on an opposing player just before 90 minute mark.
The homeside looked to double their lead late on, but Startup denied them with their last shot of the game coming from Bianca Baptiste outside of the box.
The final score Tottenham Ladies 1 – 0 Charlton Athletic Women.
Preview
Next up in the league Charlton face Crystal Palace at home on the 25th of November. Whilst Spurs have a weekend off and then are up against Durham on 2nd December.
The top of the championship remains tightly matched, with only 5 points separating the two sides, Spurs leading at the top of the league table, with Charlton in 4th.
