Huge effort goes unrewarded for Spurs Women against United

A second half goal from a set-piece from Manchester United’s Millie Turner saw a battling Spurs Women’s performance go unrewarded in a 1-0 defeat at The Hive on Saturday (10 October).

Rosella Ayane had our best chance of the match early in the first half, before several top-class saves from Becky Spencer left United’s forwards frustrated, until Turner headed in what proved to be the winning goal from Tobin Heath’s corner in the 68th minute.

Karen Hills and Juan Amoros, who remain on the hunt for their first win in the league this season, made two changes to the team who won 4-0 against London City Lionesses in the Continental League Cup three days ago, with Angela Addison and Siri Worm replacing Kit Graham and Kerys Harrop in the starting line-up.

Our new signing Sophie Whitehouse, who was celebrating her 24th birthday today, was named on the bench at The Hive.

We made an aggressive start against United, who are unbeaten in the league. Forward Ayane, who was pressing the the visitors’ defence from the off, should have given us an early lead after five minutes when she looked to capitalise on an error from Leah Galton, but dragged her shot wide of the bottom corner.

At the other end of the pitch, two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup winner Tobin Heath forced a superb save from Spencer who stood her ground before clearing the ball with her left foot, after the United forward was put through on goal by her USA international team-mate Christen Press.

Eight minutes later, Spencer tipped Galton’s cross wide, which was destined for Jackie Groenen in the 18-yard box, before Siri Worm cleared the danger to prevent the United midfielder from reaching the ball in a dangerous position.

With four minutes remaining of the first half, Spencer produced another piece of magic with a fingertip save to send United’s skipper Katie Zelem’s shot, from the edge of the box, over the crossbar.

Both sides continued to search for a breakthrough after the interval with Turner heading Heath’s corner just wide of the goal on the hour mark.

Seven minutes after, Spencer was called into action once again, and came up with yet another excellent save to tip Alessia Russo’s effort out for a corner, before the Red Devils took the lead from the resulting set-piece with Turner heading in Heath’s delivery across the goal into the bottom corner.

Next up for Spurs Women is a north London derby against Arsenal in the league next Sunday (18 October). Kick-off is 2.30pm at Meadow Park and the match will be broadcast live on BT Sport.

Coach's view

Head Coach Karen Hills was frustrated to see her players’ valiant efforts count for nothing: “It’s really disappointing,” she said. “The girls worked their socks off today, I thought they were outstanding but unfortunately the one goal cost us. If that early chance goes in, maybe it’s a different story. That’s what we tried to work on, being aggressive and on the front foot in the opening part of the game. We obviously created the opportunity and unfortunately it didn’t go in. If it had gone in, maybe we’d have been able to hold onto something but the girls were outstanding from minute one all the way to the final minute – I can’t give them any more credit. It just goes to show that we’re going in the right direction. It just comes down to that fine margin of conceding on a set-piece.”

Speaking on the performance of goalkeeper Spencer, who made a string of superb saves, Karen added: “Becky was outstanding today and always is – she’s just consistently great for us. Becky is a pure leader and someone that you would always want behind you. Some of her saves today were absolutely top class.” 

Match data

Goals: Manchester United – M.Turner 68.

Yellow cards: Spurs – Green 14, Neville 59; Manchester United – Ladd 45+1, Groenen 66, A.Turner 69, M.Turner 83.

Referee: Amy Fearn.

Venue: The Hive.

Weather: Moderate breeze, 13 degrees.