Tue 23 January 2024, 14:00
Tottenham HotspurWe secured three points in our first Barclays Women’s Super League fixture of 2024 after a seven-goal thriller in Dagenham – beating West Ham United 4-3 – and it was the youth that stole the show at Chigwell Construction Stadium.
The goals scored on Sunday evening were all created or scored by players who were 23 or under, highlighting Robert Vilahamn willingness to use youngsters as part of his exciting style of play.
Grace Clinton – aged 20 - opened the scoring with an excellent left-footed strike into the bottom corner before she linked-up with Norway international Celin Bizet – aged 22 – for the forward to calmly finish past Mackenzie Arnold to reinstate our lead ahead of the break – her third goal in the WSL this season.
Grace extended our advantage three minutes into the second half, with another sweetly struck effort from the edge of the box into the bottom right corner. After being pegged back to 3-3 by the Hammers, it was 23-year-old Jess Naz that stepped up to secure the victory.
Jess - who is in her sixth season with the Club – was introduced in the 56th minute from the bench and became the match winner, the forward firing a low shot into the corner with just 15 minutes left on the clock.
Speaking on their involvement in the goals on Sunday, Head Coach Robert Vilahamn said: “It’s a big step for us because we need to develop young players for the future and help us be a top team in this league.
“I mean, if Bethany [England] or Martha [Thomas] score, I’m still very happy about that as well but when you look at the young players and how they have developed this season, they are showing how good they are.
“The three players that scored against West Ham have taken big steps, and they will just improve even more.”
January signings Charlotte Grant and Matilda Vinberg – who are both under 23 – also made their WSL debuts on Sunday evening as they were substitutes in the final 10 minutes.
