Preview: Tottenham women seek season first win against lower league Lionesses

Alex Morgan can not have enjoyed her first experience as a Spurs player, even though she was at home watching it on television. The US international was not considered fit enough yet to don the famous club in the league match at Manchester City.

Her new club was hammered 4-1 by a side now seen as one of English women’s football’s Big 3.

That five are Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City. Manchester United and early league leaders Everton.

Spurs Women currently lie 8th with just one point out of nine. Wednesday provides a chance to kickstart their season.

Prost International women’s football editor Sophie Lawson is sure Tottenham will not be distracted by the headlines their latest signing is making:

“With all eyes on Alex Morgan, restlessly awaiting her return to football after the birth of her daughter, fans could easily be overlooking the importance of the match to give Spurs a chance to pick up their first win since February and set themselves up for a tough outing four days later.”

Alanna Kennedy could not spring the forward line that day but without the high profile City opposition to crowd her out, the Australian may have more success against FA Women’s Championship London City Lionesses.

The current Tottenham squad has four non English players who have come to it from other footballing cultures. That experience should help Spurs manager Karen Hills and assistant Juan Amoros make the most of her new acquisition sooner rather than later.

The Spurs line up at Manchester City was Spencer ; Percival, Zadorsky (Canada), Harrop, Worm (Netherlands); Kennedy (Australia), Filbey; Graham (Addison 46′), Green (Quinn 70), Davison (Leon (Spain) 79); Dean (Ayane 69, )

Subs not used: Martin, Godfrey, Neville.

Spurs manager Hills is not unaware of the challenges ahead integrating of Morgan into a side still somewhat behind the sides they will hope to compete with:

“We’re going to work hard to assist her.

“We are early in our development and it’s no surprise that we find it hard to break teams like this down. Alex can bring that leadership and work for us in the transitions.”

However the next challenge should allow Kennedy and her colleagues more time on the ball. The Lionesses have failed to score in their two league matches so far, losing by just 1-0 to both Lewes and Durham.

Goals did come in their first two league games, a 4-1 loss to Sheffield United and a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace, the source of their only league point so far. Freda Ayisi and 26-year-old Albanian striker Elizabeta Ejupi were the Lionesses goal scorers.

That goal at Palace came in the 34th minute, making it a good four hours of effort without a goal for the for the Dartford based side.

Morgan is unlikely to play against London City as she continues to push for full fitness and her colleagues should not really need her.

Morgan’s last start was 15 months ago in the World Cup final and Hills and Amoros are probably within their rights to protect the star as an early injury would be catastrophic for their longer term plans, especially those predicated on the days when fans are allowed back in.

Her appearance in the tougher fixture against Manchester United on Saturday is still unknown but Spurs are trying to drum up interest by placing her front and centre on the program cover, which is available to buy online.

It would perhaps be a misstep to persuade fans to part with the program if she were not going to play some role. Spurs will be rightly keen to demonstrate she has been signed for footballing reasons not marketing although her abilities in both fields are close to unparalleled in the woman’s game.

More than anything for coach Hills is who will eventually make way for her presence. Rosella Ayane and to a lesser extent, Lucy Quinn, join Kennedy as those likely to see their exertions more likely to result in goals. Ashleigh Neville would be another player to keep an eye on this Wednesday if a strong early lead allows Hills to give serious minutes to those previously on the bench.

Rianna Dean and Kit Graham perhaps have the most to prove. Their places in the Tottenham pecking order are the most under threat from the American’s arrival. They will certainly have chances on Wednesday. Showing a clinical finishing streak cannot do them any harm.

Kick off is 3.30 0n Wednesday at Barnet FC’s Hive Stadium.

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