Bethany England’s late goal rescues Tottenham a point against Brighton

Bethany England’s late equaliser earned Tottenham a 1-1 draw at home to Brighton in the Women’s Super League.

England’s 81st-minute finish cancelled out Elisabeth Terland’s first-half effort to rescue the FA Cup finalists, who looked to have run out of ideas.

The hosts had several clear chances before the break but offered almost nothing after it until England got across her marker to turn home Ashleigh Neville’s cross.

Tottenham should have gone in front after only six minutes.

Matilda Vinberg broke clear following a Brighton free-kick and threaded an inch-perfect through-ball into the path of Charlotte Grant, who advanced into the area but could only guide her shot wide of the far post when one-on-one with goalkeeper Melina Loeck.

Brighton took the lead in the 17th minute through top-scorer Terland’s 13th goal of the campaign.

Pauline Bremer’s cross from the right picked out the Norway striker in the middle and, although her header was brilliantly turned against the crossbar by keeper Rebecca Spencer, she was alert enough to chest down the loose ball and poke it home.

Tottenham were enjoying more of the play, though, and England’s shot was deflected into the path of Grant, whose weak effort was saved comfortably by Loeck.

The Brighton keeper denied the hosts again when Jessica Naz was sent scampering away down the left and held the ball up before laying it into the path of the onrushing England, whose shot was pushed behind for a corner.

Brighton then lost Julia Olme to injury after she collided with a team-mate.

Brighton kept Spurs pinned in their own half at the start of the second half, frustrating their hosts and keeping possession well.

Tottenham made a triple substitution in the 56th minute, a sure sign things were not going as they wanted.

They continued to lack inspiration, however, until Neville – introduced in the 76th minute – made ground down the right and sent in a cross for England to divert home.

Suddenly Spurs were on the front foot and England saw a shot tipped on to the bar by Loeck, but both sides had to settle for a point.