Haines fires Ladies to memorable victory

Coral-Jade Haines fired Spurs Ladies to a memorable 4-0 win against FA Women's Super League side Yeovil Town in the Continental Tyres Cup on Sunday.

The all-action midfielder bagged a hat-trick on an afternoon of positives for the team including the return from long-term injury of summer recruit Anne Meiwald off the bench in the second half.

Having claimed their first scalps at the highest level - Bristol City and Yeovil - in the same competition last season, this represented Spurs' biggest margin of victory against a Women's Super League team. Spurs compete in the FA Women's Championship, one level below.

They got off to a flying start on Sunday when Sarah Wiltshire struck from close range to open the scoring against her former club after just seven minutes.

Haines soon made it 2-0 with a clinical finish from Renee Hector's pass and then an important period in the game as Chloe Morgan made two fine saves to keep out Olivia Fergusson.

At 2-1, it would have been game on but Spurs stretched their lead to a commanding 3-0 before half-time via a counter-attack that ended with Jess Naz clipping in cross that was buried by Haines.

The same player completed the scoring and her hat-trick thanks to another counter-attack and another assist from Naz just after the hour.

The result lifted Spurs up to second behind Chelsea in Group One South of the Continental Tyres Cup after three of five matches. The top two teams of the four groups progress to the quarter-finals.

Key moment

Sarah Wiltshire's opening goal settled the team after a long trip and Chloe Morgan made key saves with the scoreline still at 2-0, but the key moment has to go to hat-trick star Coral-Jade Haines and the first of two counter-attack goals that handed Spurs a 3-0 cushion before half-time. It might have been different had Morgan not made her saves, but Haines provided the platform for victory, with assists for Jess Naz on her second and third goals. Anne Meiwald's return shouldn't be overlooked either.

"Coral's passing and work-rate was fantastic and she scored three very good goals. Her second goal put us in such a strong position going into half-time at 3-0 up. She's such a consistent player and it all came together for her. She got on the ball, made things happen and took her chances superbly. Jess also played a huge part in the win."

Manager's thoughts...

Karen added: "I was extremely proud of the performance. It's a long trip, we left early in the morning and we travelled with a game plan that we'd worked on during the week. We had full respect for them as a WSL team but knew if our plan was on point, we'd have a good chance.

"We started well, our front three were a threat all afternoon and the pace we had in behind was key as well. Jess Naz caused all sorts of problems. The early goal put us a really strong position. The team played with no pressure and played together with a lot of spirit and freedom.

"It was Anne's debut for us after a long time out with an ACL knee injury, a huge day for her. She slotted in at centre-back and didn't look out of place at all. That was such a positive sign for us and she'll play a big part in our season going forward.

"Overall, to come away with four goals, a clean sheet and a performance with that mentality has perfectly set up a big week for us. It was a rewarding victory and they totally deserved it."

Match data

Continental Tyres Cup, Group One South

Goals: Spurs - Sarah Wiltshire 7, Coral-Jade Haines 22, 39, 61.

Venue: The Clayson Stadium, Dorchester Town FC.

Attendance: 415.