The forward was disappointed with the loss at Culver Road, but confident the team can bounce back strongly against Oxford United Women

Rea Laudat says Tottenham Hotspur Ladies need to maintain their self-belief after demonstrating the credentials they possess against a side who are preparing for life in next season’s FA Women’s Super League 1, Brighton & Hove Albion Women.

The forward was given a starting berth at Culver Road during Sunday’s 2-0 defeat and although proud to have the trust of her team-mates and management team, she felt an opportunity was missed.

Chloe Peplow struck the Seagulls ahead with a late first-half free-kick and before Amanda Nilden sealed the points in stoppage-time, Bianca Baptiste was deemed to be offside and had a goal ruled out which could have changed their fortunes.

“I was pretty disappointed in that sense; however the team did better in the second half,” she said. “We had a goal disallowed which was unfortunate and there were certain situations where we could have done better, but onwards and upwards.

“Everyone’s got the heart, so hopefully that will come out in the play more. We just need to make sure we’re focused throughout the whole 90 minutes – that’s a big thing.

“I think if we stay in the game and keep going, then things like that hopefully won’t happen in the future.

“I had a good time playing and making my starting debut was quite a stepping-stone. I’m excited to hopefully keep on playing with the girls and seeing how the rest of the season can go.”

Laudat also added that the Lilywhites are a tough match for any side in the league if they can unleash their full potential in the final third.

Albion showed a more clinical edge than the north Londoners which proved to be the difference, but she’s adamant that with the hard work they’re putting in, it’s only a matter of time before they take advantage of their openings.

Laudat added: “We’re matching teams physically and technically, but it’s just creating opportunities for ourselves - we need to do that better and quicker as well.

“We’re putting in the work at training and on the pitch; if we just keep believing in ourselves and each other, then we’re a dangerous team to play.”

Karen Hills’ side have a while to wait until they return to FA Women’s Super League 2 action when they make the trip to face Oxford United Women on April 19.

And although aware of the task at hand, Laudat doesn’t see why they can’t garner up another victory after coming from behind to achieve a 2-1 result in the reverse fixture.

“I think it’s going to be a physical game, but we’ve beat them before,” she finished. “I’m enthusiastic for it; hopefully we can beat them again.

“We’ve got a few weeks to go hard at things we need to work on; we’ll stay focused, stick together as a team so that when we come to play Oxford, we’ll be ready to give it our all.”