Chelsea begin title defence with Spurs victory-ZoomTech News

Mia Fishel scored on her debut as Chelsea started their title defence with an entertaining derby victory over Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.

Lauren James poked in following a scramble within the space six minutes after half-time to double Chelsea’s lead on the opening day of the Girls’s Tremendous League season.

Replays confirmed the ball had crossed the road when Guro Reiten bundled in however, within the absence of goalline know-how, the Blues needed to come once more and James made certain together with her end.

Tottenham pulled one again within the 76th minute when Martha Thomas pounced on a Zecira Musovic blunder, however couldn’t discover an equaliser regardless of piling the stress on the house facet.

Chelsea have been with out star striker Sam Kerr, however England midfielder Fran Kirby got here on in its place to make her first look since February, having missed the World Cup by means of damage.

Emma Hayes’ facet are going for an unprecedented fifth consecutive WSL title.

A brand new-look Tottenham began the match properly with ahead Thomas, who joined from Manchester United this summer time, trying energetic.

She produced a very good save from Musovic simply earlier than half-time and had an inexpensive penalty declare when Millie Shiny introduced her down within the space.

However Chelsea confirmed why they continue to be title favourites with a high-tempo method and enviable squad depth.

James was all the time eager to drive into the world and noticed two efforts from across the field flash huge earlier than hammering one other off the bar. Substitute Jelena Cankovic additionally had a objective chalked off for offside.

Molly Bartrip then needed to clear a Jess Carter flick from a nook off the road, whereas Reiten, the WSL’s prime help maker final season, was a continuing menace across the 18-yard field.

New Spurs supervisor Robert Vilahamn spoke earlier than the season about desirous to play “offensive” soccer and, after a disappointing ninth-placed end final season, this workforce look to have already made nice strides underneath the Swede.

Grace Clinton noticed a curled effort saved properly and when Musovic couldn’t get one other of the midfielder’s highly effective photographs underneath management, Thomas was alert to fit dwelling.

Spurs pursued an equaliser, with Thomas once more going shut and Jessica Naz driving a low effort that was palmed away by Swedish keeper Musovic.

Extra to observe.