By 
A wonder goal from Mana Iwabuchi gave Aston Villa Women all three points against a tough Tottenham Hotspur Women side.
Words: Regan Foy | @findfoy
______
Aston Villa Women welcomed Tottenham Hotspur Women to the Banks’ Stadium this afternoon, as their male counterparts welcomed Arsenal at Villa Park just down the road.
Villa started strong in the opening ten minutes, and a burst down the left from Jodie Hutton almost gifted Diana Silva an exceptional chance.
In the 12th minute, Mana Iwabuchi produced an exceptional effort from 25 yards out which curled beautifully before nestling into the net. An absolute wonder-goal from the Japan international.
Iwabuchi had an opportunity again fifteen minutes later, once more from range, but this effort was saved well by the Spurs ‘keeper.
The game calmed down, but Aston Villa certainly looked the side that wanted the points more during the first half, and went in ahead at the break.
The second half started much like the first, as Aston Villa Women were heading towards a shock victory.
There was a stoppage of play in the 55th minute for around three minutes as Diana Silva received treatment, but the winger was fine to continue.
Silva went down again ten minutes later, this time at the edge of the box as Aston Villa Women tried to threaten the Spurs goal again.
The stop-start second half was relatively even for both sides, as Aston Villa Women looked more resolute than in previous games this season.
In the 83rd minute Freya Gregory made her way onto the pitch for her Aston Villa debut, replacing Jodie Hutton.
Further changes came as the game edged towards a conclusion, with Sophie Haywood replacing Nadine Hanssen and Emma Follis replacing Diana Silva.
There were eight minutes of added time at the end of the game due to the stop-start nature, but Aston Villa Women held strong and took a huge three points.
