Spurs custodian full of praise for rival Chloe Morgan and confident team can get positive result at Watford

Goalkeeper Toni-Anne Wayne says Tottenham Hotspur Ladies‘ two wins from three in the FA Women’s Super League 2 is down to their ability to adapt – and believes there’s a lot more to come from Karen Hills’ side.

Spurs have taken positives from games against Durham, Aston Villa and London Bees in which different tests have been thrown their way.

And having picked up six points from nine against the latter two – plus beating WSL 1 Bristol City 2-0 in the Continental Tyres Cup group stage – Wayne says the squad have garnered confidence from the last time they were on the road.

“We had to show something a little different against Bees,” she said. “They came at us and we were not at our best. We have shown so far that we are adaptable in the sense that when we have to grind out a result we can.

“If you can win and not play the best it’s a huge advantage. I think last season we grew in mentality and belief. We are unknown in this league and we have that element of surprise - but surprise can only take you so far.

“The belief in our ability will guide us through this year and I’m sure we have a lot more surprises in store along the way.”

Wayne and Chloe Morgan have been impressive in-between the sticks having kept clean sheets respectively against Villa and Bristol – and the stopper says the competitive spirit all throughout the squad is helping to fine-tune each other’s game.

With the number one adding their strong-willed mindset and relationships are key to the strong foundations that have been built and will serve as a catalyst for the season.

She continued: “The most important things in this team are work-rate and desire and that starts from the top to defend and the back to attack.

“We don’t play for ourselves - every bit of our success comes from the whole squad working for each other and that includes the clean sheets. They can’t do it without us and we can’t do it without them.

“Chloe and I have a lot of respect for each other. We both want each other to do well but we still fight every session to be the one on the pitch on matchday. We have the luxury of two amazing coaches (Luke Sheldrick and Aaron Tillbrook) that push us to our max every session.”

Spurs return to league action at Watford after a two-week hiatus due to the international break - and Wayne’s expecting them to provide stern opposition for the Lilywhites, but is adamant the north Londoners will be going in pursuit of all the spoils.

“We all can’t wait to get back to league football and we are raring to go,” said the stopper. “Watford wouldn’t be in this league if they weren’t a great side, they have a great manager and no doubt they will be organised and hard to break down.

“However, we will look to use our strengths and hopefully Watford will have to worry about us and not the other way round. Either way you’re in for a great game and a fantastic advert for women’s football.”