Spurs Defeat For City's Women

After holding the majority of possession, and possibly seeing the best chances of the game go astray, a curled effort from Bethany England from outside the box keeps City bottom of the WSL, a point behind Brighton & Hove Albion.

There was just the one change to the Foxes' line-up that drew 0-0 with Everton last weekend, as Remy Siemsen dropped to the bench, allowing Missy Goodwin a spot in the starting XI. 

Lining up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Hannah Cain leading the line, Leicester tried to dictate the play in the opening stages by stretching the pitch, encouraging wide players Goodwin and Aileen Whelan to get involved. 

On a wet night in the capital, it was City who were looking most likely to have the first attempt, and were finding promise with Cain's free-kick deliveries, however the Tottenham defence were keen to stand firm under new management. Assistant Vicky Jepson was in charge of the north London club after Rehanne Skinner's departure.

It was Cain who had the first shot of the game half an hour in when she broke in behind, and tried to curl it past Tinja-Riikka Korpela from range, but the effort landed safely in the gloves of the Tottenham 'keeper. 

Five minutes from the break, it looked as though the forward was in again when captain Whelan played Cain through, but just as she looked to chip Korpela, Tottenham's No.1 managed to rush out to clear the ball.

Just before the whistle, Spurs threatened for the first time with a couple of chances, the closest coming when Kerys Harrop whipped a cross to Eveliina Summanen, who flicked an effort narrowly wide of the post.

At the start of the second half, Leicester looked to commit more bodies forward. This high press looked promising, but Tottenham's backline continued to stand firm. 

On the hour mark, Leicester should've made it 1-0, first when Cain broke through and forced a near-post save from Korpela, before another golden opportunity presented itself from the following corner.

Whipped onto the head of Sophie Howard, who directed an effort goalwards, the ball was looped into the air, allowing the chance for Ruby Mace to finish, but somehow the effort struck the crossbar and stayed out.

Minutes later, the Foxes were punished when England took aim from range, and curled an impressive effort with her right foot past Janina Leitzig in the Leicester net.

After the goal, City pushed for an immediate response and came close through Siemsen, who was introduced moments earlier. Making a run to the front post, Cain rolled the ball into the Australian's path, but the finish was the wrong side of the upright. 

In the dying stages, Leicester gave it everything but that killer blow from England looked to damage the Foxes' confidence, as Willie Kirk's side would head back to the East Midlands without any points in hand.

Major moment - England's strike

The moment of the match has to be Bethany England's strike. Seconds after City hit the crossbar, the former Lioness' goal settled the scoreline and ensured a win for the hosts.

Where do we stand - 12th

The loss keeps Leicester bottom of the Barclays Women's Super League, and still a point behind Brighton in the current standings. 

Coming up - Aston Villa (A)

Without a game this weekend, the Foxes are next in action when they face Aston Villa at Villa Park on Sunday 26 March with a 2pm GMT kick-off.

The details…

City: Leitzig; Eaton-Collins (Pike 77'), Howard, Plumptre, Nevin; Mace, Green (Robinson 86'), Tierney; Whelan (c) (C. Jones 64'), Cain, Goodwin (Siemsen 64').

Subs: Lambourne, Levell, Purfield, Smith.