England helps Spurs snatch dramatic draw at Aston Villa

Beth England’s stoppage-time header helped Tottenham snatch a point in the Women’s Super League after a battling draw at Aston Villa.

The visitors had led for much of the game through Eveliina Summanen’s first-half penalty, only for substitute Adriana Leon to level with 12 minutes left at Villa Park.

Villa captain Rachel Daly thought she had won three points for Robert de Pauw’s side when heading in Lucy Parker’s cross in the 88th minute.

But in the sixth minute of added time, England scored a late header of her own, turning in Amanda Nilden’s cross to level in dramatic fashion.

Tottenham remain unbeaten in the league, having beaten Crystal Palace 4-0 a week ago.

A draw for Villa gives them their first point of the season under new boss de Pauw.

Villa took early control and thought they had taken the lead after seven minutes when Daly fired a volley past Spurs goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer, only for the strike to be ruled out for offside.

Despite the dominance of the hosts, Spurs made the most of the one chance they had. Drew Spence was brought down in the area by Paula Tomas and Summanen converted from 12 yards for her first league goal since last October.

Substitute Leon made it 1-1 when finishing past Spencer with a curled effort after being teed up by Daly.

The former England international turned from provider to scorer 10 minutes later, looping a header over Spencer, with the Spurs keeper opting to play on despite going down injured after Leon’s goal.

Tottenham, who had just four shots in the entire match, rallied late as substitute England’s dart at the near post was found by the delivery of full-back Nilden.