Tottenham Ladies get back to winning ways

Jessica Naz netted her first goal for Tottenham Ladies in a 1-0 win over old rivals Charlton Athletic Women as her side returned to winning ways, writes Rosie Bonass.

Since arriving from Arsenal’s development team in the summer, Naz has been the mastermind of six goals and finally bagged one herself – a scrappy winner at Theobalds Lane.

Third-placed Charlton had only lost once this season (against Manchester United Women) and had momentum after three straight wins.

But another battling display from Spurs ensured their position at the top of the FA Women’s Championship was left unruffled.

Karen Hills made one change to the side beaten at United in the last outing as Coral-Jade Haines came in for leading goalscorer Rianna Dean who was absent with concussion.

The visitors had the first meaningful effort at goal after six minutes as Lily Agg tried her luck from 30 yards – but saw it fly inches over.

Naz got the breakthrough in the 23rd minute, regaining possession just outside the Charlton box and, with just goalkeeper Katie Startup to beat, the English Under-19 international carried the ball around her and slotted home.

Josie Green looked to score another long-range wonder, as she did in the 2-1 win against London Bees earlier this season, but her cracking attempt from 25 yards was saved well by Startup, and Renée Hector had a thumping header cleared off the line from a corner.

Sarah Wiltshire went close to extending the lead a minute before the interval, but her half-volley went inches wide.

Shortly after the break, Wiltshire was involved again but this time she was denied by the post before Startup produced another good save to deny Bianca Baptiste, who had replaced Haines.

Startup came to Charlton’s rescue again to stop a strike from Baptiste and although the visitors kept pressing, a strong defensive display helped seal three points.

Spurs Ladies: Morgan, Green, Mclean, Hector, Wiltshire (Martin 76), Schillaci, Wynne, Addison (Leon 89), Naz, Neville, Haines (Baptiste 56). Unused subs: Gibbon, Meiwald, Vyse, Filbey.