Spurs move onto the next round of the FA Cup after a 5-0 win over LCL Back Match Report FA Cup 4th Round: Tottenham Hotspur v London City Lionesses Spurs move onto the next round of the FA Cup after a 5-0 win over LCL Edward Payne 29 January 2023 By Finley Chung A strong and commanding performance from Spurs saw them see off spirited Championship outfit London City Lionesses to advance to the Fifth Round of the Women’s FA Cup. Goals from Bethany England, Mana Iwabuchi, Drew Spence, Eveliina Summanen and an own goal ensured progress. Spurs made two changes from their midweek loss to Chelsea in the League Cup, with Ash Neville returning from suspension to replace Amy Turner and Angharad James replacing Evaliina Summanen in midfield. Their Championship visitors, London City Lionesses came into this off the back of a 5-0 win over Crystal Palace in their last outing, however this was their first game under new Head Coach, Nikita Runnacles following Melissa Phillips departure. The visitors made one change to their lineup with Lilly Agg replacing Carly Girasoli. The visitors got the game underway on a bitterly cold Sunday afternoon in East London but it was the hosts with the first chance. Rosella Ayanne scampered away down the left and pulled the ball back for Drew Spence who saw her effort blocked. The hosts quick followed it up with another good chance as Angharad James looped a ball over to Bethany England who superbly cut inside her marker but drilled her shot just the wrong side of the post. The visitors then bit back with their first chance of the game as Karin Muya’s pullback was arrowed goal wards by Sarah Ewens, forcing Tinja-Riikka Korpella into a good save at her near post. With just over ten minutes on the clock, the WSL side broke the deadlock thanks to Bethany England’s superb header after a fine delivery from Ayanne out on the left flank making it 1-0 to Spurs. Rosella Ayanne was next to try her luck for the hosts after picking the ball up just outside the area but her shot flew wide of Shae Yanez’s right hand post. London City were then thwarted by an excellent piece of defending as Karin Muya once again got in behind Kerys Harrop on the Spurs left but her pullback was brilliantly cut out before it could reach a London City body in the middle. Photo: Edward Payne The visitors came again ten minutes before half time with Harley Bennet swinging a ball in from the right but Lilly Agg’s header is well held by Korpela in goal. Right at the end of the half, Spurs doubled their lead and it was a first goal for the club for loanee, Mana Iwabuchi after she was found by Ashleigh Neville on the edge of the box. Her shot deflected in past Yanez to bring the half to a close and put the hosts 2-0 up. Half Time - Spurs 2-0 London City Lionesses Spurs made a change at half-time with Eveliina Summanen replaced Rosella Ayanne and the substitute had an immediate impact, helping Spurs star the second half exactly the way they finished the first. Drew Spence added number three, tapping home Summanen’s ball at the far post for her second goal in two matches. The hosts very nearly had a fourth as Spence picked out a delicious ball to England but the latter header was well saved by Yanez. Two more changes from Rehanne Skinner with about half an hour to go, with Shelina Zadorsky and Bethany England being replaced by Amy Turner and Nikola Karczewska. Spurs added their fourth goal of the game after another wicked ball in from the left from another substitute, Karczewska and Ciry’s Harley Bennett sliced the clearance over her own goalkeeper and into her own net to make it 4-0. Rehanne Skinner made use of her final two changes, bringing off Mana Iwabuchi and Ashleigh Neville for Chioma Ubogagu and Asmita Ale. Amy Turner was next to try her luck after some neat interplay with Ubogagu but her fierce right footed shot was wide of the mark. The hosts did get their fifth eleven minutes from time after Karczewska was again the provider, sliding a simple pass along to Eveliina Summanen who capped a very impressive substitute cameo with a goal to go with her assist to make it 5-0. Spurs comfortably saw out the remaining injury time to ensure they progress to Round Five of the Women’s FA Cup in a much needed and confidence boosting win for Rehanne Skinner’s side. Full Time - Spurs 5-0 London City Lionesses Scorers - Beth England (11’), Mana Iwabuchi (45+1’), Drew Spence (47’), Harley Bennet (OG, 65’), Evelina Summanen (79’)

Defender Rafaelle Souza expects another big test against Manchester City as they come up against them for the second time in four days Back Souza says Arsenal are in for another "big fight" against City Defender Rafaelle Souza expects another big test against Manchester City as they come up against them for the second time in four days 10 February 2023 Arsenal defender Rafaelle spoke to the press after the Gunners 1-0 win over Manchester City in the Conti Cup semi-final. Here is what she had to say. What was it like defending against Bunny Shaw and Manchester City’s attack? Rafaelle said “the whole team did well defending because not conceding a goal against them is really hard and I think we did a great job as a team but especially to not let her score is special for us but we have to do it all on Saturday again (Arsenal play Man City in the WSL then).” When was the back three idea introduced to the squad (Jonas Eidevall said later this was the first time he has used this formation at Arsenal)? Responding, Rafaelle said “they started working on it this week but it is just not for this game, I think we like having different styles of play and we can play different styles.” What was Jonas’ thinking about moving you to the right side of defence when Jen Beattie came on? “He was telling me to go in then find the outside wingers, and also because I played on the left, in the middle and on the right, I think it is good for me so I can play all over the pitch, I think it is good for the team but I will always give my best, doesn’t matter where I am going to play” Rafaelle said How does it feel to be in your first cup final in England? Rafaelle answered by saying “ It feels so brilliant, I am so happy. My first final with this team, I think we deserve it. We work so hard, we have been working the whole year on this and think we deserve it.” How do you stay focused at the end of extra-time? “We have to carry on the energy, like from the team, we put in good work today, and for me as a defender I have to be concentrating and be focused for the whole game, especially when we scored and got a lot of pressure on our team, but I think we did a good job as a team together defending” respond Rafaelle. Does it come into your mind you are playing Man City again on Saturday? “We know we have a tough game on Saturday but now we have to think about rest and have a good sleep because the next game will be another big fight” concluded Rafaelle. News

Get to know every member of the current Lionesses squad. Lionesses Squad Alessia Russo The backheel assassin herself Alessia Russo is becoming a regular face on game days and it’s proving to be increasingly beneficial. The Manchester United striker gives the Lionesses’ forward line something altogether compelling; a buoyant point of reference to target. Russo is adaptable and has experience in playing out wide, however she is most effective when stationed in the centre as a no. 9. Using her physicality, Russo likes to put the pressure on and strongly contest for the ball, thus causing her to have quite the presence in the area. Russo is a capable dribbler, and is also a willing runner, which leaves England in good stead when using quick transitions. Finally, Russo is extremely good in the air adding further element to her layered abilities Photograph courtesy of the FA.

Poppy Pattinson spoke to the media after booking their place in the FA Cup semi-finals Back "This is massive for us" says Pattinson as Brighton progress in the FA Cup Poppy Pattinson spoke to the media after booking their place in the FA Cup semi-finals Cameron Smith/Getty 20 March 2023 By Paul Donegan Poppy Pattinson scored the opening goal direct from a corner in Brighton & Hove Albion’s 2-0 win against Birmingham City in the FA Cup on Sunday. When asked about the goal after the match, Pattison said “I am left footed, it is an inswinging corner, we loaded the six-yard box and it went all the way in” . She added that set pieces are important in every game and they have been working on them in the last couple of weeks. “I can’t complain with the goal” remarked Pattinson. Reacting to getting through to the semi-finals, the Brighton left back said she is “over the moon, and that was the aim coming into the game”. Pattinson noted the whole team are buzzing after the win and “this is massive for us”. She feels they have been gaining momentum over the last few weeks despite the results, and have “felt together as a team, working together, learning and building relationships and can see that today.” Asked about how they have regrouped in the last fortnight since Amy Merricks became interim head coach, Pattinson commented “that football is up and down, it is about how you deal with these things”. She feels that they have dealt with it well, and concluded by saying that “we fight for each other and that showed today.” News

Get to know every member of the current Lionesses squad. Lionesses Squad Lauren James Widely regarded as one of the rawest footballing talents the country has ever seen, Lauren James is simply magnificent to watch. The Chelsea forward can play in just about any attacking position and deals with whatever she is tasked with radiating collectedness. It is almost as if James defies time and space when she is in possession. Everyone and everything around her appear to stand still as she motors toward goal, darting around opponents as if they are nothing more than cones marked out on a training ground. With pressing qualities as well as defensive substance, James’ ludicrous speed paired with her ease on the ball is just the tip of the iceberg. There is no other way to describe James’ game than to define it as inexplicably cool, but the real exhilaration comes in knowing that she is nowhere near her prime. Mark these words, Lauren James will define a generation. Photograph courtesy of the FA.

England's most capped player Fara Williams talks FIFA and the WSL at the Women's Football Summit On the red carpet with Fara Williams Thursday, 27 October 2022 By Charlotte Stacey England's most capped player Fara Williams talks FIFA and the WSL at the Women's Football Summit Charlotte Stacey | Getty Images Any self-respecting fan of women’s football knows the name Fara Williams. As England’s most capped player with 172 caps during her career, as well as a wealth of experience at a number of top-flight clubs, Williams knows a thing or two about the women’s game. We caught up with Williams at the Women’s Football Summit presented by EA to chat all things FIFA and to get her take on the new Women’s Super League season, here’s what she had to say… The development of FIFA games… “I could never have imagined this! You know, I played Fifa as a kid but only ever the men’s teams that were involved, and even you think of the graphics back then as well they all pretty much looked the same! You couldn’t identify players!” EA Sports hosting a women’s football event… “So, I never imagined anything like this, but I think it’s fantastic. Certainly, EA Sport and FIFA23 have grown the women’s game. The game has been growing for the 10-15 years, we won the Euro’s, it’s perfect with this brand and now the game is coming into its own and it’s fantastic.” Predications for this season… “It’s difficult, I always think Chelsea are going to come out on top in the end. But in terms of Manchester United, I think they’ve done well. So far though, they’ve played opposition I would expect them to beat so right now it’s difficult to fully judge them.” Could a team pip Chelsea to the post… “Manchester City have had a tough start, so it’s difficult. Arsenal look impressive but now they’ve got two massive injuries at centre-half. Everton look really good in their opening games even though they lost the first one. “But Chelsea, they showed themselves. In terms that Chelsea are still that level. But it’ll be an interesting one, I think teams will take points off each other… but Chelsea are going to win.” You can catch Williams as part of the punditry and commentary teams on games selected for television broadcast.

Vivianne Miedema’s first half goal sees Arsenal go through to the Fifth Round of the FA Cup Back Match Report FA Cup 4th Round: Arsenal v London City Lionesses Vivianne Miedema’s first half goal sees Arsenal go through to the Fifth Round of the FA Cup Olivia Cantwell 30 January 2022 By Charlotte Stacey Arsenal entered the fourth round of the FA Cup to take on Championship side London City Lionesses. London City are title contenders this season, challenging for promotion into the Women’s Super League, currently laying second in the Championship on 25 points behind Liverpool and with a game in hand. On the other hand, Arsenal remain as league leaders of the WSL, now on 29 points after beating Brighton and Hove 2-1 on Thursday. Arsenal lined up a fairly familiar starting eleven with recovery from injuries and illness denying Jonas Eidevall a large amount of rotation. Arsenal were without Leah Williamson, Rafaelle, Jen Beattie, Lia Walti and Tobin Heath, as well as Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord and Lydia Williams who are competing in the Asia Cup. London City arrived at Meadow Park well stocked, having captain Harley Bennett, Brooke Nunn and goalkeeper Shae Yanez amongst their starting eleven and a number of substitutions availabe on the bench. For the most part of the first half Arsenal were very much in the driving seat. The Gunners maintained a great deal of possession, created plenty of chances and won a large number of set pieces. By the 11th minute London City goalkeeper Yanez had made two impressive saves to keep out Nikita Parris and Katie McCabe respectively. London City found an opening of their own after turning over possession at the 17-minute mark, making use of Arsenal’s high press by quickly sending the ball into space behind Noelle Maritz. The subsequent delivery into the box was high and did not find the intended target, however it in terms of transition, it showed intent from the visitors that opportunities to counter will be taken should they arise. At 21 minutes, after a quick one-two with Jordan Nobbs, Beth Mead found herself space on the edge of the area to whip in a powerful left footed shot. Yanez managed to shift her bodyweight to match that of the ball trajectory and tipped Mead’s effort over the bar in what was an outstanding piece of goalkeeping. The first and only goal of the game came at 43 minutes and was scored by Vivianne Miedema. London City had played themselves into trouble on a couple of occasions during the first half, passing out from the back without enough pace on the ball to dismantle an approaching Arsenal, thus penning them close to their own area. Kim Little intercepted a London City play ‘from the back’ just outside of the box and cut the ball across to Miedema. The striker took a couple of small touches before releasing the ball out to the right and into the back of the net. Arsenal started the second half very brightly with both Miedema and Frida Maanum testing Yanez within three minutes of the restart. Yet the second half progressed similarly to the first. Arsenal seeing plenty of the ball and creating several opportunities, yet none executed well enough to increase the score line. There are possibly a couple of reasons for this. The first is down to London City’s defensive wit. The Pride maintained visible lines of defence that proved difficult to break, especially through central lanes. In particular, midfielder Amy Rodgers strongly contested the movements of Little and Maanum on several occasions. This pushed Arsenal to stretch play and use the wings. Noticeably the Gunners used the right-hand side during the second half to press. The link-up play between Laura Wienroither, Mead and Maanum repeatedly exposed space behind Alli Palisch, who had a tough job keeping tabs on the interchangeable positioning of Wienroither and Mead. During these occasions London City retreated to flooding bodies into the area making clean shots more difficult to come by. Due to the sheer volume of bodies in the box, there were instances in which Arsenal took too many touches in attempt to find space, only to end up playing themselves into a dead end. Knowing London City would, for the most part, sit and block, Arsenal used a number of plays in a bid to catch the Pride short. Notably Lotte Wubben-Moy became the provider of long bypass balls that eliminated the packed-out middle third. The Gunners also won several set-pieces and used this to attempt a range of plays including a mixture of long and short corners, goal targeted free-kicks and ‘in-swingingers’ directed to teammates. Of course, Arsenal did not score from any of their set-pieces today, this is something Eidevall will no doubt be working on. Both sides executed their game plans well, Arsenal in using different approaches to press and penetrate a compact defence and London City in implementing and retaining a clear structure that left little wiggle room for the Gunners to play with. Although they were not able to add any more to their tally, Arsenal go through to the FA Cup Fifth Round. Draw to be made at 7:30pm on Monday 31st January. ___ Arsenal: Zinsberger (GK), Maritz, Wubben-Moy, Boye, McCabe, Maanum, Nobbs, Little, Parris, Miedema (55’), Mead Substitutes: Cull, Wienroither (55’), O’Brien, Jupp, Head, Gillard Goals: Miedema (43’) ___ London City Lionesses: Yanez (GK), Girasoli (64’), Palisch, Rodgers, Napier (64’), Rouse, Bennett (C), Fitzgerald, Primus, Rossiter (45’), Nunn Substitutes: Fleming, Mehmet, Nolan (64’), Jarrett (45’), Gray, Thompson, Muya (64’), Froc

Marc Skinner calls for "investment in officials" after United are denied two penalty shouts Back United boss Skinner laments ‘massive decisions’ as the Red Devils face defeat at Kingsmeadow Marc Skinner calls for "investment in officials" after United are denied two penalty shouts Getty 12 March 2023 By Finley Chung Manchester United boss, Marc Skinner lamented the referees performance as he felt “two stonewall penalties” were not given to his side in the crucial clash at Kingsmeadow on Sunday. Sam Kerr’s 22nd minute strike was enough to separate the sides, but it could’ve been oh so different on another day. Kadeisha Buchanan’s challenge on Nikita Parris, and Jess Carter’s on Ona Battle, were both deemed fair challenges by referee Cheryl Foster but it’s fair to say that Skinner didn’t see eye to eye with the officials. “They’re big decisions in big games, we’ve come here, had 62% possession, forced Chelsea into playing counter attack and we’ve had two penalties not given, that’s the reality. I’m hopeful that we see things balance out”. As a result of the decisions, Skinner calls for “investment in the officials and the technology that can help. You see the same challenges not given in the box, that are given in the middle of the park, so something isn’t connecting here.” Chelsea’s goal came about after a stunning long ball from Lauren James found Sam Kerr in behind the back line of United before the Australian striker dinked it over Mary Earps for the eventual winner. “It’s a switch off moment for us, Sam Kerr is really good at getting in behind the back line, we’ve spoken about it all week, one long ball should be able to be dealt with, but we have to learn from it.” The United gaffer said that "|the girls will be fuming (with the decisions), but we need to be sharper in their box” , with United having not forced Chelsea keeper Ann Katrin-Berger into any real save in the ninety minutes. “If we play that game again we don’t lose it”, commented the United boss. On the performances of Leah Galton and Ella Toone, who weren’t at their best for the Red Devils, Skinner admitted, “we tried to get Leah into the game in the first half, there were moments we need to be braver between the lines to play the ball. Tooney gets into some great positions but we didn’t play her. We could’ve invaded Chelsea’s backline a lot quicker, but Chelsea sat in a block, so it’s very difficult to play around or in behind them”. Marc Skinner and Man United will have to dust themselves off and go again quickly, with their next game an FA Cup Quarter Final, against Championship side Lewes, where Skinner’s side will no doubt look to avoid a cup upset. News

Chelsea goalkeeper Carly Telford departs Chelsea and joins San Diego Wave Back Carly Telford’s time with Chelsea comes to an end Chelsea goalkeeper Carly Telford departs Chelsea and joins San Diego Wave via Goal 24 January 2022 By Charlotte Stacey The England international has been with the Blues for five years in her second stint with the club. Telford first signed for Chelsea in 2011 before joining Notts County in 2014. She then returned to London in 2017, racking up a total of 76 appearances overall. During her time with Chelsea, Telford has been crowned a champion of England four times, won both the FA Cup and Continental Cup twice, as well as securing the Community Shield once. Telford has been an essential figure within the Chelsea camp both on and off the pitch and has enjoyed noteworthy spells between the sticks. This was perhaps most apparent during her stellar season of 2018-19, in which she earned 10 clean sheets in 14 appearances. Although Telford’s role with the Blues has somewhat changed in recent times, with her taking up a part-time coaching as part of her contract, supporting Chelsea’s under-16 and under-18’s, her bounty of experience and irreplaceable presence has remained an integral feature of the senior side. During this period, Chelsea have gone on to reach the final of the Champions League for the first time and obtain the domestic quadruple. Internationally, Telford has been called up numerous times for the national side and has made 27 appearances for her country. Telford’s performances on the world stage have been no less impressive than those domestically. After patiently plugging away waiting to stamp her mark in a major competition, Telford confidently stepped up in the semi-final of the 2019 World Cup and asserted a standout performance at the 2020 SheBelieves tournament in the States. Most recently, Telford was a part of the Team GB squad that competed in the Olympic games last year. Chelsea boss Emma Hayes commented, “Carly has been a fantastic servant to the club across two different spells. A big character in the dressing room and a hugely valued member of our squad.” “We didn’t want to lose her, but we could not hold her back from taking this fantastic opportunity in the States. We wish Carly well in this next chapter of her career and she knows she’ll always be welcome back here any time.” Telford will now link up with former England teammate and ex-Manchester United manager Casey Stoney, joining Stoney’s new club, NWSL side San Diego Wave. News

Back Sandy MacIver (Reserve) Club Everton Position Goalkeeper D.O.B 18/06/1998 Bio With a significant amount of game time behind her this season, MacIver is a keeper that should be carefully considered. MacIver presents a favourable outright shot stopping rate and a distributive passing ability that reflects her skill in being as well versed with her feet as she is with her hands. The Everton keeper presents a confident solidarity at the back and is a suitable addition to the squad. via Sandy MacIver Twitter E1

The Red Devils earn five consecutive league wins after a 1-0 win over Spurs Back Match Report Five out of five for Manchester United The Red Devils earn five consecutive league wins after a 1-0 win over Spurs Manchester United Women 4 February 2025 By Paul Donegan Manchester United made it five Women’s Super League wins in a row as they beat Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 on Sunday evening. Elisabeth Terland scored the only goal of the match early on at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as United moved back to second place in the league and seven points behind Chelsea after being displaced by Arsenal earlier in the day. From the first minutes, there were some boos from Spurs supporters for their former player Bizet whenever she was near or on the ball. Manchester United took the lead in the 6th minute when Terland volleyed in Jayde Riviere’s cross from 12-yards for her sixth goal against Spurs. Maite Oroz’s free kick was well claimed by Phallon Tullis-Joyce as the home side looked to quickly get level. The hosts first shot at goal didn’t come until the 22nd minute but Hayley Raso’s strike went well wide. Leah Galton’s effort from a visitors free kick was deflected behind for a corner in the 26th minute. Raso was looking dangerous for Tottenham with a shot of hers from the edge of the area being held by the United goalkeeper. At the other end, Hinata Miyazawa’s strike was headed behind by a Spurs defender. Terland then cut in on the right-side but her low effort was also put behind for a corner by Clare Hunt. Dominique Janssen had the visitors next chance but this too was blocked before going behind. Ella Toone went close to extending Manchester United’s lead but her curling, dipping effort grazed the woodwork. The home side gave away the ball on the edge of their area but Terland’s strike was easily claimed by Lize Kop as half time approached. The visitors had the first effort of the second half but Toone’s volley from the edge of the area was blocked by Hunt. United did well to stop Jessica Naz getting a shot away then block debutant Josefine Rybrink’s effort as the hosts looked for an equaliser. Janssen almost put Manchester United two up in the 56th minute but her powerful shot went wide. Terland couldn’t finish a cross from close-range for the visitors in the 63rd minute. After going down injured twice in quick succession, Janssen was substituted off for the away side and went straight down the tunnel. Naz’s strike from 20-yards in the 66th minute was caught by the United goalkeeper. The visitors next opportunity came in the 71st minute when Millier Turner’s low strike from the edge of the area was saved. In the 77th minute, Spurs had a chance to equalise but Bethany England headed over whilst under pressure from Turner. There was late game management by United with them keeping the ball in the corner of the pitch whilst the hosts had the final chance of the match but this was a tame shot from Hunt that didn’t trouble the goalkeeper. After the match when speaking to the press, Tottenham’s head coach Robert Vilahamn thought they had an unlucky start by conceding so early but admitted United were the stronger side in first half. Vilahamn felt Spurs were much better in the second half, much braver on the ball and can compete with United. At the moment he feels they are a top 6 side but not top 4 but have taken steps forward against big teams this season. Manchester United’s head coach Marc Skinner thought his side were controlled and only allowed Spurs to have potshots which we defended well. This clean sheet now means they have had 9 in 13 league games this season. Skinner feels his side are adapting to how teams are playing against us and the youngsters were mature. Line ups Tottenham Hotspur (4-4-2): Kop, Neville, Hunt, Bartrip, Nilden, Raso, Rybrink (Csiki 86’), Oroz, Naz (Vinberg 86’), Thomas (Holdt 77’), England (c) Unused substitutes: Spencer, Grant, Ahtinen, Buhler, Ayane, Gunning-Williams Booked - Raso Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Tullis-Joyce, Riviere (Mannion 90’), Le Tissier (c), Turner, George (Sandberg 64’), Miyazaawa, Jannsen (Awujo 65’), Bizet, Toone, Galton (Marland 64’), Terland Unused substitutes: Middleton-Patel, Clinton, Williams Goal – Terland 6’ Referee – Kirsty Dowle

Tottenham manager Vilahamn addresses professional relationships as well as looking ahead to this weekend's match against Leicester City Back "It’s totally unacceptable to be in a relationship with a player" says Spurs boss Robert Vilahamn Tottenham manager Vilahamn addresses professional relationships as well as looking ahead to this weekend's match against Leicester City Getty 14 March 2024 By Finley Chung Spurs boss Robert Vilahamn spoke to the media ahead of his sides clash with Leicester City on Sunday. The Swede spoke about the issue of player and coach relationships, the rise of Spurs Women, loanees Amanda Nilden and Grace Clinton, Amy James-Turner and the challenge of Leicester. Firstly, Vilahamn, like 99% of Women’s Super League coaches this weekend, was pitted the question surrounding player coach relationships, which has become a lot more prevalent after Willie Kirk was suspended by Leicester City pending an investigation into a relationship with a player. “I think it’s completely unacceptable, me as a coach is in a power position with the players and the staff. I think it’s totally unacceptable to be in a relationship with a player, it’s not even a question that should be raised here, it’s crazy. For me, it’s not professional and it should not be like that.” The rise of Spurs Women has been nothing short of meteoric over the last eight or so years, from a quadruple winning and promotion season in 2016/17, to winning the Championship two years later and competing in the Women’s Super League, Spurs have enjoyed a stunning rise to competing with the top teams. The latest chapter in the clubs history saw Spurs beat Manchester City on penalties last weekend to reach the FA Cup Semi Final’s for the very first time in their history, meaning they are just one game from Wembley and an FA Cup final, with a semi final date with Saturday’s opponents, Leicester. “I think this is why I joined this club, to be able to be competing with titles and the top teams. The fact that we are already close to Wembley shows that we are doing the right thing.” The hero from the penalty shootout, Amy James-Turner has had to bide her time to be in the Spurs side this season. The day Robert Vilahamn arrived at Hotspur Way, James-Turner had an injury which ruled her out for a while, which allowed Swiss International, Luana Buhler to play herself into a formidable partnership with Molly Bartrip. James-Turner has had to bide her time as mentioned. But after coming in due to an injury to Buhler in the historic North London Derby win, she has been pretty much an ever present in the Spurs backline since. “I am full of admiration for her. She is good in the one on one’s, good in the duels and had a supreme amount of confidence in the penalty shootout. I was so impressed with her. “I actually had a meeting with her today about how she has been for me as a coach and she has been fantastic, she is a role model and the role model I want for my players, she’s fantastic.” The semi final pits Spurs against Leicester, with the game this Sunday just a month before the showpiece FA Cup occasion. This often happens across all levels of football, leading to one of the clashes at least, being labelled as a ‘dress rehearsal’, but Vilahamn, was coy on that regard. “What I want to do, is put full intention on this game first. We have the challenge of Leicester in the league first and the FA Cup in the future. You could see it as competition for the big game and you could practice something for the big one, but on the other hand, we have a big competition in the Women’s Super League because they could go above us in the table. For me we have to have 100% focus in going into the game on Sunday.” Two of Spurs’ brightest sparks this season have been players they acquired on loan moves. Grace Clinton from Manchester United and Amanda Nilden from Juventus. The former has arguably been Tottenham’s poster girl and star turn this season, while the latter has been pretty much ever present in the side since joining from Juventus. There is a lot more uncertainty in the waters surrounding the post loan future of Grace Clinton, with seemingly the question being asked every week if Spurs are going to break the bank to sign the Liverpudlian. “I’m very much someone who wants to work with players who are here right now, so even if she is on a loan, I am not going to bench her because I might not have her next season. We want to continue to develop her and develop us. Last game we moved her into a 10 and she was exceptional, so I am just enjoying working with her.” Contrast this with Amanda Nilden, who has starred on the left hand side of Spurs’ defence since joining from Juventus, has a certain air of inevitability of where she will end up playing next season. “It’s funny because I had a left back at Hacken, who kept not getting picked over her (Nilden) for the international team, so I signed her here instead! “I love working with Amanda, she’s very good on the ball and she’s very good in many scenarios, she gives us a left foot in the build up which we never had before and you see her attitude in the penalty shootout, it’s a cool girl who can do that, I love to work with players that have that coolness, that passion that she has. “There’s a plan for her to stay next season too, we didn’t go for a loan player in the winter window without having a smart plan of how we can execute them staying. I am quite sure she is going to stay next season.” News