Gr-eight display fires Spurs Ladies to summit

Spurs Ladies stormed to the top of the FA Women’s Championship after a thumping 8-0 win against Millwall Lionesses on Sunday, writes Rosie Bonass.

Rianna Dean celebrated her 20th birthday in spectacular style with a hat-trick against her former club, Angela Addison scored twice and goals from Sarah Wiltshire, Ashleigh Neville and Bianca Baptiste made up the impressive scoreline.

The victory meant that Spurs moved two points above Manchester United Women at the top of the league, with the two teams due for a showdown in a fortnight.

Manager Karen Hills made three changes to the team who defeated Lewes FC Women in their last outing. Another former Millwall player, Megan Wynne, replaced Anne Meiwald in defence, Sophie Mclean came in for Josie Green in midfield and Addison started ahead of Baptiste in attack.

The Lilywhites took the lead in the 22nd minute after Millwall goalkeeper, Grace Taylor, came rushing out to punch a delightful cross from Jessica Naz, only to see Addison get to the ball first and head it over her into the back of the net.

Neville drilled a dangerous ball in to Dean eight minutes later and after her initial attempt on goal from the cross was blocked, the striker made no mistake the second time around as she buried the ball into the bottom right corner.

The home side extended their lead in the 31st minute with Neville providing the goods once more after Taylor struggled to deal with her long range cross and spilled it to Wiltshire who tapped in from close range.

Neville deservedly got her name on the scoresheet seven minutes later with a bullet header past Taylor following a superb delivery from Wynne to give Spurs a 4-0 lead at half-time.

Dean’s second goal came from a penalty on 50 minutes after she was clipped in the box by Lia Cataldo and stepped up confidently to fire the spot kick into the bottom left corner for 5-0.

Substitute Baptiste scored within six minutes of entering the pitch with an exquisite finish on the half-volley past Taylor.

Wynne was brought down by Jasmine Auguste in the penalty area 11 minutes later, which provided Dean with the perfect opportunity to complete her hat-trick which she did with ease from 12 yards.

Addison wrapped up a magnificent win with her second goal of the game, latching onto a pass from Dean to blast the ball into the back of the net, six minutes before the end.

Key moment

It might have ended 8-0, but the breakthrough didn't arrive until the 22nd minute when Angela Addison rose highest to head home. That sparked the spectacular result - as always, the first goal is vital.

Match reaction

After scoring seven goals in five league games, including her birthday hat-trick, a delighted Rianna Dean said: “As soon as we got the first goal that just set us off, after that there was no stopping us.

“My first goal was more of a team goal, the play leading up to it was what we’ve been working on in training and to get a goal in open play is always better than scoring a penalty.

“Everyone kept working hard and we kept going at them throughout the whole game, so that’s why we scored as many goals as we did. The team are very confident and if we approach the next few games like we have done the others then I think we can come out on top.”

Head Coach Juan Amoros added: “We are very pleased with the performance and with how well the players executed the game plan. It was absolutely outstanding today so we are very happy.

“Finishing is something that we’ve been working hard on and I think we did that well. The movement on the ball and off the ball was outstanding from our players. For us it’s just as important to score goals as it is to not concede so we are equally happy to get the clean sheet.

“We try to make everyone feel like they are part of the club and everyone is important to the squad, and we made three changes today to give a chance to others and they all came up and performed.

“For us every game is a final and today the players from the first minute had the right attitude and did what they needed to do and came away with another three points. Everyone that has come here today will leave with a smile – if they’re a Spurs fan.”

Match data

Goals: Spurs Ladies - Angela Addison 22, 84, Rianna Dean 30, 50 (pen), 73 (pen), Sarah Wiltshire 31, Ashleigh Neville 38, Bianca Baptiste 62.

Referee: Jack Bloxham.

Venue: Cheshunt FC.