Millwall Lionesses down Tottenham as Charlie Devlin strikes twice

Super-sub Charlie Devlin’s brace secured a win for Millwall against a battling Spurs side at St Paul’s in the FA Women’s Super League.

Amber Gaylor’s early header put Millwall ahead before Sarah Wiltshire’s volley got the visitors back on terms, but Devlin and Megan Wynne’s goals saw the hosts up to second in the league.

Millwall had the lead within four minutes as Gaylor climbed highest to head in from Billie Brooks’ long-range free-kick.

Spurs started to come back before Millwall almost caught them out on 22 minutes as Toni-Anne Wayne’s clearance came to Wynne, who curled wide.

Coral-Jade Haines then latched onto Mason’s misplaced pass three minutes later, only to place it wide.

Another Spurs opportunity came after 40 minutes as Renee Hector’s headed effort was cleared off the line, before Wayne’s clash with Ella Rutherford brought penalty shouts at the other end.

The visitors got their equaliser early in the second half, Wiltshire coolly volleying Haines’ chipped pass into the left corner on 54 minutes.

Maya Vio’s handball ten minutes later gave Millwall a much-needed chance but Ashlee Hincks’ direct effort ricocheted off the upright.

Millwall regained the lead on 71 minutes, though, when substitute Devlin curled sublimely into the top-right corner.

Another substitute then almost had an immediate impact for Spurs, Sophie McLean’s pile-driver rocketing just wide on 77 minutes.

Hincks’ cross wasn’t caught by Wayne, allowing Gaylor to create space for Devlin to slot her second goal five minutes from time.

Wynne put the cherry on top of Millwall’s day, slotting Hincks’ assist into the corner in the last play.

WHAT THEY SAID

Millwall’s Ashlee Hincks:

“It was a really positive performance. With the game in hand we had to have that rescheduled game today, so it was really important we made the most of it, especially at home.

“Spurs are a really good side and they play the ball out from the back really well, but we knew what they were about and we set up to deal with it.

“I think they had a lot of possession but it was mainly in their defence, so it wasn’t too much to worry about. They’re always a threat, and have some really good players.

“Normally it’s been us conceding early, and that’s been the theme of the team talks lately, so it was nice to go out and get the first goal.

“We know what Charlie’s about – she can create for us off the bench, so she’s a huge impact player and got us into a good position.”

Tottenham’s Sarah Wiltshire:

“We were very disappointed with the scoreline today. We felt we did well in spells but we conceded four goals, so we’re very disappointed.

“To be honest, I think we were the better team for long periods of the game, and we were playing some really good football.

“The game went for some spells in our way and sometimes not our way, especially the last 20 minutes as we conceded three goals.

“Spurs have come up this season, so the manager’s playing new players such as myself. We’re still finding our feet and still working on being a team.

“I’ve got high hopes, and this team has a lot of potential, so we’re going to keep building and taking each game as it comes.

“We’re working hard in training to play our football because that’s how we played today, how we like to play, and how we’re coached, so we’ll keep working.”

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