DESPITE taking the lead, Oxford United went down 2-1 to Tottenham Hotspur in a tight FA Women’s Super League 2 match at Cheshunt.

Spurs were on top early on with Coral-Jade Haines and Josie Green forcing saves from United keeper Demi Lambourne in the first 20 minutes.

But Chloe Chivers then gave the visitors the lead against the run of play.

Ellis Hillman skilfully played the ball past Lucia Leon on the wing and her perfect cross was headed home by Chivers.

Spurs were almost gifted an equaliser after 30 minutes as Wendy Martin rook advantage of Corrine Yorston’s misplaced pass but shot straight at Lambourne.

The hosts changed their formation after the break and eventually equalised in the 68th minute, when Haines slotted in after Renee Hector’s penalty – awarded for Hannah Short’s handball – had been initially saved.

Spurs clinch victory ten minutes from time when Ryah Vyse ran from deep to smash a loose ball in on the line.

Short said: “It was a really tough game. They bullied us in the second half and we just couldn’t get the ball down to play it.

“Some girls weren’t putting in challenges.

“The pitch wasn’t the best in the world but you just have to get on with it.”

Oxford United: Lambourne, Franklin-Fraiture, Short, Haynes Yorston, Noble, Carlton, Allen (Casley 86), Oliver, Hillman (Donovan 59), Chivers. Subs not used: Clarke, Fyfe.

Attendance: 130.

l To buy tickets to an FA Women’s Super League match, visit: www.fawsl.com/tickets.