A Rianna Dean hat-trick saw Tottenham Hotspur Ladies see off Millwall Lionesses 8-0. Dean, a former Millwall player, put three goals past her old team to send Spurs top of the league.
Dominant First Half
Millwall started the game strongly with a few chances, but Spurs soon showed their dominance in the game and ramped up the pressure. A skilful pass over the Millwall defence from Jess Naz found Angela Addison who gave Spurs the lead 22 minutes in.
Eight minutes later, with ever increasing pressure, Dean got her first goal of the game after Ashleigh Neville’s pass found her just outside the penalty area. Neville’s long passes into the box played a crucial part in creating chances for Spurs.
One minute later, another cross from Neville reached Sarah Wiltshire who managed to tap the ball in from close range to add her name to the scoresheet.
With Spurs 3-0 up, Millwall were struggling to keep possession of the ball which subsequently lead to limited chances on goal.
Neville made it four for Spurs as half-time was approaching. A terrific corner from Megan Wynne, also playing against her former team, reached Neville on the back post who headed the ball past Millwall keeper Grace Taylor.
More Of The Same
After dominating the first half, Spurs were looking comfortable with the Lionesses managing only a few attempts on goal.
Five minutes into the second half, Dean was brought down by Millwall midfielder Lia Cataldo resulting in a penalty. Dean took the resulting spot kick and scored her second goal of the game.
Nearing the hour mark, Bianca Baptiste replaced Coral-Jade Haines. After only five minutes on the pitch, she got in on the scoring act taking the game to 6-0.
The goals kept coming for Spurs, but the second half saw some more attempts for Millwall as they attempted to reduce the deficit.
Hat-trick Complete
Another penalty for Spurs saw Dean complete her hat-trick, before the final goal of the game arrived 10 minutes later when Addison’s second made it eight for Spurs.
While Sunday’s game meant Spurs went top of the league and retained their 100% winning streak in the league, Millwall are having a polar opposite experience sitting bottom of the table with only one point from their game against Crystal Palace.
Speaking after the game Dean praised the team’s hard work: ““I think not only to get my goals but to get the team’s goals as well everyone just needs to keep working hard and keep going at them, I think throughout the whole game we were doing that which is why we scored as many goals as we did.”
Going Forward
Next up in the league, Millwall face Charlton at home while Spurs welcome Aston Villa, both matches take place on Sunday 28th October.
