Arsenal had to come from behind three times to draw with Spurs, before banking a bonus point in the FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup by winning the penalty shoot-out.
Martha Thomas’s opener was cancelled out quickly by Stina Blackstenius and although Jess Naz twice had Tottenham back in front, Frida Maanum and Laia Codina pulled the Gunners back on level terms before they won on penalties with a Jen Beattie strike in front of 3,618 at Meadow Park. Arsenal lead Spurs by a point at the top of the group with a game to go each. They meet again at the weekend in the WSL.
The other Group D game also went to penalties, Reading edging Bristol City 5-4 following a 1-1 deadlock in normal time. Hayles goal was replied to late on by the Royals’ Charlie Wellings and Eve Annets made a good save in the shoot-out.
Aston Villa went top of Group A, leapfrogging Durham whom they defeated 5-1 with the help of a Rachel Daly hat-trick. Rachel Corsie and Adriana Leon also scored, with Amy Andrews pulling one back.
Sunderland are second following a 3-0 victory at Blackburn Rovers and host group leaders Villa in their last match, whom they trail by two points. Katy Watson had them ahead at the break, Emily Cassap and Libbi McInnes adding a goal each after the interval.
😍 This moment. #SAFCWomen | #ContiCup pic.twitter.com/ZszNAAT5KS
— Sunderland AFC Women (@SAFCWomen) December 13, 2023
Sophie Roman Haug and Yana Daniels netted in quick succession for Liverpool in the second half, Everton losing keeper Emily Ramsey to injury as they went two down. Toni Duggan got a goal back deep into stoppage time but neither side can progress out of the group.
GROUP A
Aston Villa 5-1 Durham
Blackburn Rovers 0-3 Sunderland
GROUP B
Everton 1-2 Liverpool
GROUP D
Arsenal 3-3 Tottenham Hotspur (Arsenal won shoot-out 4-3)
Bristol City 1-1 Reading (Reading won shoot-out 5-4)
Fixture for Thursday 14 December
GROUP B: Manchester United v Leicester City (Leigh Sports Village, 7pm) – live on MUTV
