WSL- Tottenham v Brighton

On Sunday, I was able to attend the Women's Super League match between Tottenham and Brighton. It was the first match since February that supporters were allowed to attend. Ironically, the last match that I was at and Tottenham had supporters for was against exactly the same opposition. 

I was excited to finally get back to spending my Sunday watching a live football match. I got to The Hive early, so went to get a hot chocolate in the bar before the ticket office opened. Once I had collected my season ticket, I made my way into the stadium and took my seat. My seat is just down from the half way line, so I have a great view of the pitch. 

Pre match photos

Match preview: 

Prior to the International break, Tottenham made an announcement that shocked the majority of supporters. In a statement, the club had announced that Juan Carlos Amoros and Karen Hills had left the club following the penalty defeat to Arsenal. Juan and Karen have played a massive part in getting the club to the level they are today. They have taken us from a non professional team, to a professional team competing at the highest level, with one of the biggest names in Women football as part of our squad. I will forever be grateful to them for everything they have done, and wish them both luck for the future. Whatever team they go to next, will be very lucky!

Juan and Karen left Tottenham. 

Rehanne Skinner was announced as the new head coach at Tottenham. Rehanne has a wealth of knowledge and has worked with a number of the girls in the squad already. From what I have heard in her interviews, I feel that Rehanne is a brilliant acquisition. 

Rehanne Skinner- Tottenham head coach

Both teams entered the match looking to pick up a vital three points. Brighton started the season strongly with a win against Birmingham and a draw against Man City, however, since then they have struggled to find any consistency. For Tottenham, they went into the match with no league wins, which they were looking to change. 

Match:

Before kick off the players took the knee. Thankfully there were no boos when they done this, unlike at some men's games this week. I just want to say, I'm pleased that players are doing this, it may only be for a few seconds but it helps send the message that racism is not ok. 

Players take the knee

Tottenham started the match brightly and created the first chance. Shelina Zadorsky got onto the end of a corner from Kerys Harrop, but her shot missed the target. This did not demotivate Tottenham, and two minutes later they took the lead. Harrop's free kick evaded everyone and went into the Brighton goal. The goal brought loud cheers from the crowd, something that I am sure the players have missed hearing. After the goal, both team struggled to keep hold of the ball or create any real chances. In the 22nd minute, Tottenham could have added a second. Rosella Ayane was played through on goal, but her shot past the onrushing Megan Walsh went wide of the target. 

A few minutes after this, Tottenham came close to doubling their lead. Ria Percival's corner found Alex Morgan in the box, but the American's header went over the bar. Brighton eventually found their feet in the match, and started causing Tottenham trouble defensively. In the 33rd minute, Alanna Kennedy tried to clear the ball out of the Tottenham box, however, she missed the ball and inadvertently kicked the onrushing Brighton attacker in the face. The referee blew her whistle for a penalty, and booked Kennedy for the foul. Inessa Kaagman stepped up to the spot and slotted her penalty past Becky Spencer to level the score. Prior to half time, Tottenham created a couple of chances to regain the lead. Kennedy's free kick went just over the bar before Percival's shot was stopped by Walsh in the Brighton goal.

Kaagman levelled the score from the spot

The second half started with both teams looking to add a second goal. Tottenham were becoming more frustrated as each attack petered out, as they struggled to find the right final pass. On 59 minutes, both Skinner and Hope Powell decided to make a change in the hope it would bring around a goal. Skinner brought on Lucy Quinn for Ayane, whilst Powell brought on Ellie Brazil for Kayleigh Green. Even though, Brazil was playing for the opposition, I was so happy to see her back on the pitch following a lengthy spell out. 

On the 64th minute, Tottenham found a way through the Brighton defence to retake the lead. Angela Addison collected the ball after a flick on from Morgan. Addison then fought of the Brighton defenders, before taking the ball past Walsh and finishing. My description does not do the goal much justice, it was a superb individual effort from Addison. The goal did not dampen Brighton's spirits and they almost equalised shortly after, however, Kaagman's long range strike hit the bar before being cleared for a throw in. 

Angela Addison- Tottenham's second goal scorer

Powell made a double change on the 77th minute, loanee Lee Geum-Min and defender Rebekah Stott replaced Aileen Whelan and the injured Fliss Gibbons. Brighton created a few half chances, but did not really look like threatening Spencer in the Tottenham goal. On the 84th minute, Tottenham won a penalty. There was a swirl of excitement in the crowd, when everyone realised that Alex Morgan was stepping up to take it. Cries of "Come on Alex" were coming from various parts of the stands. Morgan sent Walsh the wrong way and converted the penalty. Morgan is clearly a popular player in the squad, as every outfield player on the pitch looked so happy to see her score. This was Morgan's first goal for the club- hopefully she decides to stay for the remainder of the season. 

Fan favourite, Alex Morgan scored her first goal for the club.

Following the penalty, Morgan and Kennedy were replaced by Rachel Williams and Jess Naz. I think the loudest cheer of the day came when Jess entered the field. It was great to see her return to first team action following her acl injury that she picked up last season. Jess played a massive part in our promotion season, so for supporters it is brilliant to see her fit again.

Jess Naz returned from injury

At full time, the players came over to applaud and thank the fans. Understandably, due to the current climate no photos/autographs were allowed however a few of the squad stood a good distance away so they could catch up with friends/family and fans. It was a brilliant day for new manager Rehanne Skinner, she saw her team play well and pick up their first win of the season. Going from what I saw yesterday and the squad we have, I believe we will now kick on and start to move up the table and away from the relegation spot. 

I normally choose a player who I thought stood out above the rest. However, on Sunday there were 3 or 4 players I could have picked. Percival and Addison were constant threats going forward, Harrop scored and was a rock at the back and Ash Neville had another solid game.

Final score

Post match debrief

After the match

Once the match had finished, I headed to the station to start my journey back to Eastbourne. Whilst on the train back, I realised just how much I had missed being at live games. Nothing beats the feeling of watching your team play well and win. To top the day off, the men's team also beat Arsenal in the North London Derby (Tommy if you are reading this- I'm sorry, I had to mention it haha). 

Next Sunday, I will be returning to The Hive to watch the match against Aston Villa. This match is a few days before my birthday and I have a lot of things planned, so I doubt I will be able to write a blog about it. Keep your eyes peeled for more blogs coming your way soon, as we start going to matches on a weekly basis again. 

Thanks for taking the time to read this,

Sian :)