WSL: Brighton & Hove Albion v Tottenham Hotspur

After the previous two fixtures we planned to attend had been postponed due to the adverse weather, it was nice to be able to finally attend a match again. As a Spurs fan, this fixture was always one that I was going to attend, as it is close to home. When we arrived at the ground, the rain started to pour, but thankfully it brightened up before kick off.

Watching the two teams in the warm ups, it was clear it was going to be a tough and closely contested match, especially with the pitch not being in the best condition. Despite both teams looking likely to avoid the drop this season, there was no doubt each side wanted to collect 3 points.

Tottenham warming up

The players walked out, with Sussex by the Sea playing through the speakers. Once the handshakes and squad photos were taken, it was time to kick off. The opening exchanges were sloppy by both teams standards, with passes being misplaced and a number of fouls. In the 12th minute, the first decent chance fell to Tottenham. Angela Addison got onto the end of a cross from Hannah Godfrey, only to see her shot saved by Megan Walsh. Ten minutes later, Lea Le Garrec's cross almost forced an own goal, however, Godfrey's header went over the bar, much to the relief of every Spurs fan and player.

The first chance of the game, fell to Angela Addison but her shot was saved.

Brighton went down to ten players, just after the half hour mark. Le Garrec received her second yellow card of the game for a foul on Spurs captain, Josie Green. The Brighton supporters were not happy with the decision, but when she was already on a booking, it was a silly foul for Le Garrec to make. Going down to ten, did not hinder Brighton though, and they started to put the Tottenham defence under pressure. In the 36th minute, Aileen Whelan's shot from range, was well saved by Becky Spencer. Towards the end of the half both teams pressed for the opening goal, but neither could find the killer pass.

Lea Le Garrec got sent off in the 31st minute. Credit: @officialBHAFC

At half time, Hope Powell made her first substitution of the match. The former Lionesses manager brought on striker Ini Umotong for Amanda Nilden. Umotong's introduction meant Brighton had an attacker with the ability to out muscle the Tottenham back line, which she did from the minute she stepped onto the pitch. I've watched numerous Brighton matches this season and it has always surprised me that Umotong does not get more minutes.

The match was close throughout.

It took until the 61st minute for the first real chance of the half to arrive. Ria Percival hit a shot from range, which was well saved by Walsh in the Brighton goal. The match was end to end, and eventually there was a break through. On the 66th minute, Kirsty Barton brought Addison down in the box for a penalty to Tottenham. Rianna Dean stepped up to the spot and sent the keeper the wrong way to give Tottenham the lead. Tottenham made their first change of the match shortly after Dean put them in the lead, as Lucia Leon (who was making her first WSL start) was replaced by Lucy Quinn.

Tottenham celebrate, after Rianna Dean put them ahead. Credit: @spurswomen

There were more half chances for both teams, however, once again it had become very stop start with the ref blowing for a number of free kicks. Both teams made changes towards the end of the game, with Kit Graham and Chloe Peplow replacing Angela Addison and Gemma Davison for Tottenham, whilst Brighton Supporters player of the match, Emily Simpkins was replaced by Kate Natkiel.

In the last few minutes, Brighton pushed for an equaliser, however, nothing they tried quite worked out. At the other end, Tottenham looked for a second, and they came close as Ashleigh Neville's cross flashed across the face of goal and past the oncoming Dean. The ref blew the full time whistle, to boos from Brighton's supporters who were not impressed with the officiating throughout the match. Tottenham picked up another 3 points, pulling off the double over the hosts this season.

Tottenham's post match huddle

At the end of the match, I waited to get pictures with a few of the squad. Whilst we waited for the girls to come over, Tottenham's head coach, Juan Carlos Amoros came over to us and shook our hands, thanking us for out support. I then managed to get a few selfies with a number of the squad. I love this aspect of the women's game so much, the players always give up their time pre/post match for the fans, and I hope as the game continues to grow, this is one aspect that does not disappear.