Women's Report: Spurs 2-1 Saints

Saints were narrowly beaten by a late penalty after holding their WSL opponents for virtually the entirety of the contest.

It was a positive start from Saints at Bisham Abbey, as they kept their shape well and looked a threat in transition against their WSL opponents.

The first chance of the contest fell to Rianna Dean as she met a flicked header after a flowing move, but the volleyed shot from the edge of the box flew over the crossbar.

Spurs showed they had quality in the final third; Martha Thomas’ impressive skill on the right wing and cross reached Charli Grant at the far post, but her shot was fired over.

Fran Stenson was rarely troubled in the opening stages, but was alert to push away Kit Graham’s shot from the edge of the area.

There was a moment of magic to open the scoring, as Rachel Rowe struck in style to put Saints ahead.

The Welsh midfielder picked up the ball in the Spurs half, drove into space and rifled an effort from 25 yards into the top corner.

Rachel Rowe put Saints ahead. (Photos: Tottenham Hotspur)

On the balance of play it was a deserved lead for Saints, but the hosts hit back just five minutes later.

A low cross from the right was met by Thomas in the area, and her shot crept in off a combination of the post and Stenson.

The scores were level at the break as Spurs made eight changes, with former Saint Ella Morris introduced against her old side.

Morris had a powerful attempt from the edge of the area, which was matched by a diving save from half-time substitute Benedicte Haaland.

Chances then became few and far between as both sides traded spells of possession, with Haaland not called into action until the 84th minute to tip over a long range effort.

Lucia Kendall in action.

There was one final twist, however, when Spurs were awarded a penalty in the final minute after a coming together between Rachel Brown and Matilda Vinberg.

Eveliina Summanen stepped up and converted from the spot, despite Haaland’s best efforts to get a hand to the ball.

Saints couldn’t find an even later equaliser as Emma Thompson’s shot was saved, with a positive display ending in a narrow defeat.

Remi Allen’s side are next in action with their final pre-season friendly at St Mary’s Stadium against Arsenal on Saturday 31st August.

Tottenham Hotspur: Spencer (Heeps 62), Neville (Nildén 45), Hunt (Janes-Turner 45), Bartrip (Buhler 45), Grant (Morris 45), Spence (Ahtinen 45), Graham (Summanen 45), Wang, (Vingberg 45) Gunning-Williams (Naz 45), Thomas (Dennis 62), England (Ayane 62).

Goals: Thomas 28, Summanen (pen) 89.

Yellow Cards: Neville 30.

Saints: Stenson (Haaland 45), Collett (Brown 63), Mott (Peake 63), Bourne, Purfield (Milne 80), Griffiths (Palmer 63), Kendall (Nohasiarisoa 80), Rowe (Primus 45), Gregory (Watts 80), Pike, Dean (Thompson 63).

Subs not used: Pettit, Surin.

Goals: Rowe 23.