Spurs Ladies fall to Sheffield United, drop to second in FAWC table

Sunday’s Spurs-related headlines were all laser-focused on the U18s and the opening test event at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but there was another match on Sunday morning. Unfortunately, it’s not the news we wanted to hear. Tottenham Hotspur Ladies dropped a 2-1 league match at home to Sheffield United Women thanks to an injury time goal from Blades midfielder Jade Pennock.

Spurs took the lead in the 55th minute thanks to a strike from Jessica Naz, but condeded two — one to Ebony Salmon and the match winner at the death. There was an extra spice to the match as it took place just days after Sheffield United terminated the contract of Sophie Jones after she was found guilty of racially abusing Spurs defender Renee Hector.

The result was extra disappointing as it drops Spurs into second in the FA Women’s Championship table, one point behind Manchester United, who still have a game in hand. That puts extra emphasis on Spurs’ next match this Sunday, which is a home tie against United.

The good news is that despite the loss Spurs are still in a good position to promote alongside United — they have a seven point lead over Charlton and Durham (Durham have a match in hand), and are eight points over London Bees. A loss to United would tighten their advantage considerably; after United, Spurs’ last two matches are away trips to both Charlton on April 21 and Durham on May 12, so they will need to take care of business against their rivals. Any slip-up could make the end of Spurs’ promotion campaign a nervy one.