Excellent LCFC Women Secure FA Cup Progression At Spurs

Making three changes from the team that met Aston Villa in the Barclays FA Women's Super League last time out, Georgia Brougham replaced Sam Tierney in defence, captain Sophie Barker came back into the side, with Esmee De Graaf making way, and Freya Gregory returned in place of Natasha Flint after being ineligible to face her former club last weekend. 

The Foxes utilised a three-at-the-back system at The Hive Stadium, while Jess Sigsworth and Gregory played either side of Shannon O’Brien in attack.

A couple of half chances fell Spurs’ way in the opening minutes of the contest. Rosella Ayane’s long-range strike was held by Demi Lambourne ahead of Jessica Naz’s effort being blocked by Brougham after the Tottenham winger cut inside onto her favoured right boot.

Naz was in the action again shortly after, sending a half volley towards goal and finding Leicester’s shot-stopper in the way once more.

City showed their own intentions when O’Brien won back possession on the edge of the Tottenham box, but were unable to capitalise, with Molly Pike eventually shooting over the crossbar, set up by Sigsworth.

A quick break from the home side soon opened up their next opportunity. Naz raced down the right, crossing towards Ayane, who turned the ball off target via her first-time effort.

Back at the other end of the pitch, neat play from Gregory down the left created space for a cross and she picked out Sigsworth in the middle, but the forward's diving header landed wide of the target.

O’Brien also diverted a header wide from Jemma Purfield's cross, after the forward had struck a low attempt that Spencer claimed.

Lambourne dealt with the first sign of danger in the second half, racing out quickly to get a hand to the ball as Angela Addison moved into the box, after being played in by former Fox Rachel Williams.

City’s ‘No.1 was also called into action to thwart Ayane, who tried to beat the ‘keeper at her near post from a tight angle. Purfield’s then blocked Naz’s powerful strike as the Lilywhites continued to press for the opener.

Leicester were standing firm, though, and Ashleigh Neville was the latest to try her luck, weaving in and out of two challenges before shooting wide of the post.

The deadlock was broken right on the hour-mark, however, as Tottenham took advantage of quick throw-in to send Naz on her way down the right and, after getting past Ashleigh Plumptre, the winger whipped a low cross into the six-yard box which Addison gratefully accepted, tapping home at the back post.

Tierney was introduced alongside De Graaf for the final 20 minutes and rose highest to meet O’Brien's cross, but was unable to turn it home as the visitors searched for a route back into the contest. Pike then went for goal herself from 25 yards out, failing to trouble Spencer, but there were signs that the Foxes could force extra-time.

And they did just that courtesy of a stunning goal from O’Brien, who won back possession before taking aim and striking the ball into the top corner from outside the area with 10 minutes to play.

That gave City the impetus to push on and try to grab the winner during normal time. Plumptre set up Sigsworth, who tested Spencer, before substitute De Graaf came within inches of turning home Sophie Howard’s cross, though she couldn’t get a strong enough connection.

Tottenham also had late chances of their own and it took a fingertip stop from Lambourne to ensure Naz’s strike would be diverted wide. Ayane then looked to curl a shot into the corner and, once again, Lambourne flung herself across goal to save. A last-ditch tackle from Sigsworth, sliding in to deny Molly Bartrip, ensured the game would move into an additional 30 minutes.

Within a minute of the restart, the Foxes held the lead for the first time in the game. The ball fell for Howard, who expertly lobbed it over Spencer with a controlled, side-footed finish, handing City the perfect start.

Opportunities then fell at either end in quick succession. Plumptre headed Purfield’s free-kick off target, while Neville cut the ball across goal and a vital interception from De Graaf prevented a Spurs player getting a crucial touch, before Asmita Ale headed over from the resulting corner.

Leicester City Academy player Ava Baker was soon brought into the action, as was Connie Scofield for her Foxes debut, ahead of more valiant defending keeping the north London side at bay, with Lambourne denying Bartrip’s low shot.

City clinched their place in the next round during stoppage time as De Graaf chased down a backpass, blocking the clearance and running the ball into an empty net, celebrating in front of the travelling Foxes fans.

Major moment… 

The tie looked to be heading in Spurs’ favour as the clock ticked towards 80 minutes, but there would be plenty more twists to come during an enthralling contest. Shannon O’Brien’s stunner restored parity and two extra-time goals completed the turnaround.  

Who impressed?

It would be easy to pick out any of Leicester’s starters or substitutes, who all contributed to an excellent away victory. But defender Sophie Howard, playing as an auxiliary centre forward, scored the stunning lobbed effort which changed the momentum of the tie.

Where do we stand?

Leicester are into the fifth round of the Vitality Women's FA Cup, with the draw taking place from 7:30pm on Monday, live on talkSPORT 2. City will be ball no.15 in the draw.

Coming up… 

The Foxes’ next Women’s Super League fixture comes from St. Andrew’s Stadium as the Foxes make the journey to face Birmingham City on Sunday 6 February (2pm kick-off).

The details…

City: Lambourne; Brougham, McManus, Plumptre; Howard, Barker (c) (Tierney 69’), Pike, Purfield (Baker 105’); Sigsworth, O’Brien (Scofield 114’), Gregory (De Graaf 69’).

Subs not used: Harris, Devlin, Smith, Robinson.

Goals: O'Brien 82', Howard 91', De Graaf 120+2'. 

All times GMT.