Tottenham Hotspur 2, London City Lionesses 1.

Late pressure almost pays off as London City fall narrowly at Spurs

Sunday 3rd May | Brisbane Road

London City Lionesses fell to a narrow defeat against Tottenham Hotspur at Brisbane Road. 

First half goals from Signe Gaupset and Olivia Holdt gave the home side a two-goal cushion before Alanna Kennedy’s late goal halved the deficit and set up an exciting finale. 

After a challenging first period, the visitors responded well in the second half, attacking with purpose and could have netted a leveller. 

It was another well-contested and entertaining match between the two sides following the reverse league fixture in Bromley and FA Cup match earlier in the campaign. 

Martin Ho’s side started on the front foot and took the lead on 13 minutes - Gaupset, who impressed throughout the afternoon and earned the player of the match accolade, stole the ball from Malou Marcetto and slotted into the bottom corner.

The home side doubled their lead thanks to Holdt’s wonder-strike from distance into the top corner.            

With their tails up, Tottenham continued to push forward, Maika Hamano's low strike was well saved by Elene Lete as the hosts looked to increase their lead.

Kennedy was introduced after 30 minutes in place of Wassa Sangaré who picked up an injury. She came close to reducing the deficit, meeting Isobel Goodwin’s cross perfectly, the Australia international’s volley well held by Lize Kop. 

Eder Maestre’s outfit finished the first half strongly, a free-kick was whipped in by Poppy Pattinson, Goodwin’s header caught.

The start of the second half was equally breathtaking in pace with both teams showing attacking intent.

London City had a shout for a penalty as Delphine Cascarino was held. 

At the other end, Maike Hamano’s strike crashed off the crossbar before Cathinka Tandberg headed the rebound over. 

There was a delay after Jana Fernádez and Amanda Nilden clashed while challenging for the ball, the Spaniard was back on her feet after treatment. 

Freya Godfrey was introduced after an hour, added attacking impetus and saw her shot blocked and looped into the hands of  Kop before heading over Cascarino’s cross moments later.

As London City searched for a goal back, Isa Kardinaal, up from centre half won the ball in midfield and hit a speculative effort which edged over the crossbar.

France international Cascarino then worked her way into a shooting position following a strong run down the left flank but Kop saved well with her legs. 

Moments after her introduction, substitute Nikita Parris found Fernandez, the right-back power-driver well saved.

Kennedy scored from close range in stoppage time to halve the deficit before Kop denied Godfrey in stoppage time.

The result means London City sit seventh. They return to action on Saturday 16 May, where they take on Aston Villa at the CopperJax Communtiy Stadium, Bromley in their final match of the 2025/2026 Barclays Women’s Super League season. 

Head coach Eder Maestre said: “It was a tough game. We fought very hard and were unlucky in the end.

“We performed well in the second half, the team was pushing hard. 

“We are trying to build a winning mentality and we had chances. 

“We worked hard until the end but it wasn’t quite enough. 

“Overall, I am happy with the way we are progressing. 

“We are trying to improve everyday. I hope these foundations laid can help us to improve long-term.

“We have one final league match against Aston Villa at home and we want to finish on a high.”

Teamsheet: Lete, Fernández, Pattinson (Godfrey 61'), Kardinaal, Corrales, Kumagai, Cascarino, Goodwin (Franssi 61'), Sangaré (Kennedy 31'), Marcetto (Pérez 80'), Geyoro (Parris 80').