Inessa Kaagman helped Brighton pick up their third win on the bounce after beating Spurs 2-0 in the Women’s Super League.
A second-half brace from the midfielder sealed the victory for the Seagulls, who sit in seventh in the league table.
This result brings Brighton within touching distance of the top six. They have a huge opportunity to end the season with a strong run of form.
Spurs fell to a fourth straight defeat, with little progression or improvements evident on the pitch.
Team lineups
Brighton (3-5-2): Megan Welsh; Danique Kerkdijk, Maya Le Tissier, Aileen Whelan, Megan Connolly, Lee Geum-Min, Inessa Kaagman, Emma Koivisto, Ellie Brazil, Emily Simpkins (Nora Heroum 46′), Victoria Williams
Tottenham (4-2-3-1): Aurora Mikalsen; Esther Morgan (Lucy Quinn 79′), Abbie McManus, Shelina Zadorsky, Siri Worm, Alanna Kennedy (Josie Green 69′), Ria Percival, Angela Addison, Kit Graham, Gemma Davison, Rosella Ayane (Rianna Dean 62′)
How the match unfolded
This mid-table clash started on a tepid note for both sides. There was very little between the two in the opening 15 minutes of the fixture.
However, it was Spurs with the first opportunity of the match on 23 minutes. Rosella Ayane and Alanna Kennedy linked up well before finding Angela Addison, who failed to get a connection at the back post.
Tottenham almost opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time, but Shelina Zadorsky’s header was cleared by Emma Koivisto.
Brighton made Spurs pay on 64 minutes, taking the lead with their first real opportunity of the match.
A cross from the right found Kaagman open, who volleyed beyond Aurora Mikalsen to tilt the game in Brighton’s favour.
The hosts added a second just ten minutes later. Kaagman doubled the advantage for Hope Powell’s side with another sweet finish into the net.
In the end, it was a deserved three points for Brighton. Tottenham only really looked a threat from set-pieces chances.
What the result means
Brighton are continuing to improve with a third straight win and another big result in bridging a gap between the top half of the table and the relegation zone.
With a favourable ending to the season, there is no doubting the pinnacles that Powell will be striving to achieve between now and May.
For Tottenham, it’s a demoralising result as they fell to a fourth successive defeat.
Spurs had chances and enjoyed the majority of possession. however, Brighton took their chances and showcased their ruthlessness.
There is now a six-point difference between Brighton & Spurs in the table with Spurs only six points above bottom side Bristol City.
A continuation of inconsistent results could see Tottenham in the wrath of relegation trouble as the WSL enters the business end of the season.
