Bianca Baptiste gave Spurs the lead, but the Seagulls hit back to claim a 4-1 victory in the Continental Tyres Cup

Maya Vio says Tottenham Hotspur Ladies have a winning mentality no matter who they come up against and rejected any claim that fatigue may have played a factor in the defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, following the midweek win in Yeovil.

Spurs took the lead through Bianca Baptiste, but the Seagulls scored four to end their perfect start to Group Two South of the Continental Tyres Cup – and the energy-driven midfielder pulled no punches in saying they’ll be rectifying any shortcomings moving forward with the culture of accountability the squad possesses.

“Regardless we still should have played better,” she said. “It was a mix of defensive errors and not putting our chances away, but we wanted to win. We had the same drive as we always do, so it shouldn’t have affected us too much. It was a great start - we were so happy to get the first goal, take the lead and we were set on continuing that but it just wasn’t our day.

“Their quick equaliser wasn’t good but we still had the belief that we would go on and win. Last Sunday we came from 1-0 down, in midweek it was exactly the same and we ended up winning. In the second-half their goals went in and I wouldn’t say our heads went down but it wasn’t so good towards the end; we’ll put this game to bed and move on.”

Vio applied some perspective to The Lilywhites’ early-season form having fallen short in only two from seven WSL 2 and 1 matches.

And it’s now looking like Spurs will have to get a positive result at Chelsea in their final group game if they’re to progress to the latter stages, but Vio remained psychological in her approach to the challenge.

“It’s a game of football, sometimes you win sometimes you lose but we’re not used to losing so the girls will be hurting but we’ll reflect on the game in training this week,” she added. “It’s always important to reflect on why we’ve lost, we’ll be upset, work hard in training and come back fighting and I 100% believe that’s what we’re going to do and win next week against Doncaster (Rovers Belles).

“It’s amazing because we came from a lower league; we’re beating teams in our league and Bristol City, Yeovil - two WSL 1 teams in this group. It’s just a shame we couldn’t beat Brighton, but I think what we’re doing is incredible. We have a winning mentality, we want to win regardless – new to the league or been in it for the past five years – we’ve clearly shown we’re just as good to play at this level and win.

“We’re excited for that game against Chelsea, one of the best teams in the country, so it’s a great opportunity for us girls. With our track record so far against WSL 1 teams, there’s no reason why we can’t beat another on our day. Everyone will see us as the underdogs heading into that game, but I do feel we have the belief to do it. It’ll be a good test for us and we’ll go into that game working hard and with the togetherness we always play with.”

Remembrance Sunday sees the visit of Doncaster Rovers Belles to Cheshunt FC as Karen Hills’ side return to WSL 2 action - and with members of the Armed Forces in attendance - she sees that serving the squad with even more motivation to claim victory.

“It will be an amazing day at Cheshunt with Remembrance Sunday; with the Armed Forces being there it’ll give everyone an extra push. It’s incredible what they’ve done for us, so the least we can do is put on a good performance for them - which I’m sure we’ll do - celebrate life and our love for the game.”