After a short break from FA Women’s Super League 2 action, Karen Hills’ team will look to return to winning ways at Cheshunt’s Theobalds Lane

Defender Ashleigh Neville declared that spirits remain firmly high in the Tottenham Hotspur Ladies dressing room, despite a disappointing 4-1 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Continental Tyres Cup last Sunday.

The Lilywhites suffered just their second loss of the season after they had been on an impressive five-game unbeaten run following their opening day defeat against Durham Women.

Neville confessed that the players were naturally downhearted with the Brighton defeat last weekend, but they will sustain their positivity and togetherness regardless of the setback.

“Everyone was disappointed last weekend against Brighton,” she said. “I thought we put in a good performance first half and we were unlucky to come in at half time 2-1 down.

“I don’t think the score necessarily reflected the whole game, but we are a team, we win and we lose together and we all have each other’s backs. The spirit around the training ground and in the changing room has been amazing from everyone.”

The ladies are back in WSL action this weekend and Neville is hopeful the team can put things right when they welcome Doncaster Rovers Belles to Cheshunt where a big audience is expected to turn out with the armed forces in attendance for Remembrance Sunday.

“We have a big game this weekend, playing in front of a big crowd,” she acknowledged. “Sometimes it can add pressure to the game but I’ve always liked playing in front of a lot of people.

“All the girls are raring to go on Sunday and put last weekend behind us. It’s going to be a tough test for us but the whole squad are determined to put on another great performance and come away with a good result.”

Karen Hill’s side will need to play at their best to stop Doncaster Rovers Belles who have made a strong start to the season and are yet to be beaten in the league.

“We know Doncaster is going to be a tough game for us”, Neville finished. “They have a lot of strengths, but we need to focus more on our strengths and play our game and I believe we can get a good result.

“Of course, it would be nice to stop a team’s unbeaten run and we are looking for a win to bounce back from last weekend’s game.”