Hector looking to continue momentum

Spurs Ladies go into their first game of the 2018/19 FA Women’s Championship full of belief as they look to capitalise on a positive pre-season and two encouraging performances in the Continental Tyres Cup, writes Rosie Bonass.

The Lilywhites welcome local rivals London Bees to Cheshunt FC on Sunday, hoping for a promising start and to continue their winning momentum following the Brighton & Hove Albion penalty shootout joy last time out.

Heading into the opening league fixture, defender Renée Hector acknowledged the team’s focus for the season ahead, highlighting their fearless mindset.

“We’ve had some really positive results recently so we’re full of confidence,” she said after Karen Hills’ side gained three points from their last two games against Crystal Palace and Brighton in the Continental Tyres Cup.

“We’re not here to make up numbers," she continued. "We’re here to win as many games as possible and be a team that is hard to beat. The first two cup games taught us that we have to put away our chances better, but we have the capability to compete with anyone and that’s shown from two very good performances.

“It will only give us more confidence to start with three points against London Bees and really set the tone for the start of the season. That’s exactly what we’ll aim to do on Sunday.”

The Ladies made several signings in the summer, strengthening in all areas as they hope to improve on last season’s seventh place finish in the league and Hector praised the influence of her new team-mates following their upbeat displays in pre-season that included a victory over Bees themselves.

“The new signings will make a huge impact this season and they have already,” she commented. “Between them all, they have already netted a fair few goals in pre-season and they’ve slotted into the team well.”

The last outing against Sunday’s opponents came as recently as July, where a brace from summer signing Rianna Dean and goals from Lucia Leon, Sarah Wiltshire and Rea Laudat secured a 5-3 win in a pre-season friendly. Last season, Spurs Ladies took four points from Bees, three of which came in an away win in October, following a double strike from Wendy Martin.

Since the last competitive meeting against them in the 1-1 draw on the last day of the season, Bees have also made changes to their squad including the signing of former Spurs Ladies player Lauren Pickett and the addition of Lionesses legend Rachel Yankey to their coaching team.

“I do feel that this game will be a challenge, just like any game is at this level but it’s one we definitely have the ability to overcome,” Hector added. “It’s all about getting the job done no matter who’s in their squad or on their coaching team.

“Rachel Yankey is someone I’ve looked up to since I was a child and she is a legend but when it comes to crunch time, we don’t worry about any of that.”

Kick-off is at 1pm on Sunday.