Featured image credit: Kunjan Malde for The FA
As two titans battled it out in Manchester, a late Caroline Weir stunner gave
Manchester City a 1-0 victory over their rivals. Leaving the door open for Tottenham
to leapfrog the Red Devils in the table, an opportunity that the London team made
the most of.
Spurs came into this fixture on the back of a convincing 4-0 victory over Hope
Powell’s Brighton, whilst the visitors had struggled since their monumental victory
over league leaders Arsenal and with the spectre of relegation looming large, points
were a necessity for the Blues.
Birmingham defended well in the first half, despite Tottenham having most of the
ball, the Blues soaked up the pressure but were unable to capitalise on any counter
attacking opportunities that came their way.
Though in the 66th minute, Birmingham’s defences were breached. A short corner
routine led to a whipped ball into the box troubling keeper Emily Ramsey who was
unable to gather the ball allowing Ashleigh Neville to stab the ball home.
The North London side continued to push for the elusive second goal but were
unable to finish chances that fell their way. Avoiding any response from the visitors,
in the 85th minute Spurs secured all three points. Another cross provided problems
for the Birmingham defence, unable to clear their lines the ball fell at the feet of Ria
Percival who finished calmly.
The win pushes Tottenham up the table into third, two points off second place
Chelsea and just four off local rivals Arsenal. Birmingham travel to Arsenal next
whilst Spurs face Reading before encountering the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and
Manchester City. A run that will decide Spurs fate this season but could also have
huge repercussions on the FAWSL title race.