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Bedford ‘buzzing’ after Leicester’s first win in WSL and Tottenham knock Man United off third spot

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LYDIA BEDFORD praised her players for riding a storm on their way to a 2-0 defeat of Birmingham and a precious first win in the top tier.

A powerful Sam Tierney header was among the goals that helped the Foxes jump from rock bottom in their battle for WSL survival.

Leicester picked up their first win and points in the WSL after nine straight defeatsCredit: Rex
Bedford hopes the result will give her side a boost in their bid to avoid relegationCredit: Getty

The result saw Bedford notch up her first victory from her second WSL game at the helm.

The Foxes boss said: “It’s a massive relief and I’m really buzzing for the girls

“It was a great team effort keeping a clean sheet and putting that performance in across nine minutes. I’m so proud of them.

“The second half of the season is going to be critical for us.

“The girls have got to remember that, but the three points makes a massive difference to our journey

“Hopefully the belief that it will create over Christmas and the mentality for the girls coming back in January will help us to jumpstart the New Year

The hosts took the lead with Sophie Howard’s curled effort in the 18th minute.

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And they came close to doubling their advantage moments later when Natasha Flint set up Jess Sigsworth who sent her strike narrowly wide.

The visitors had a decent chance to level when Libby Smith teed up Jade Pennock before the winger sent the ball over the crossbar.

Leicester doubled their lead in the second half with Molly Pike’s corner finding Tierney with the defender heading in her first top-flight goal in the 74th minute.

They shut out their rivals to secure the victory with a trip to Reading up next in the New Year.

The defeat for Birmingham leaves Darren Carter’s side in the drop zone before Christmas and a daunting January duel with leaders Arsenal.

Elsewhere Tottenham regained their grip on the WSL’s coveted third spot with a narrow home defeat of Everton.

Jessica Naz’s second-half shot helped Spurs nab a 1-0 win and a two-point advantage over Manchester United.

Jessica Naz was on target for Tottenham as they moved back to third in the leagueCredit: Prime Media

And Rehanne Skinner wants her players to maintain momentum for the rest of the season.

The Tottenham boss said: “You have to be consistent in this league otherwise you don’t get anything out of it

“Last year for us was very different us. This year we’ve only had two games where we’ve not been at the races at all.

“We showed a great amount of resilience and character to get points out of this match.”

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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk

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