Tottenham 0-1 Manchester City as Weir poaches the winner in fight for Champions League place

A poacher’s finish from Caroline Weir proved the difference in Manchester City’s 1-0 victory over Barclays FA WSL top three rivals Tottenham at The Hive.

Her goal was well-deserved in a second-half that saw City assert control, eventually overcoming a spirited Spurs defence.

The visitors now move to within two points of their opponents with a game in hand, hunting down a Champions League place that seemed unlikely a few months ago.

The early minutes set the tone for a bitterly fought contest, with City exerting pressure while Spurs stole possession and hit them on the break.

Chances were at a premium, with Tottenham’s Shelina Zadorsky and Molly Bartrip proving why they are in one of the league’s staunchest defences.

Spurs had more of the ball but neither keeper was seriously tested, and Ellen White’s injury-time effort into Becky Spencer’s arms was the best first-half opportunity for either team.

Tottenham upped the tempo after the interval, but it was Gareth Taylor’s team who nearly struck first when Weir’s looping free-kick came back off the woodwork.

It was a catalyst for a City side growing in confidence, with Spencer leaping to parry crosses from her goal line and dipping to block a low effort from Hayley Raso.

The pressure told in the 64th minute when Weir took advantage of another darting run from Raso, stabbing the ball home as it pinballed between Spencer and the Spurs defence.

In the closing minutes the traffic was one way and City nearly doubled their lead when Jess Park fired over the bar six minutes from time.

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