C&K Basildon Ladies boss Steve Tilson heaped praise on Tottenham Hotspur after suffering a 4-0 defeat against the league leaders.

Tilson’s team had held Spurs to a 1-1 draw at the start of October.

But they never looked like repeating that at the weekend as the Londoners produced an impressive display to continue their fine start to the season.

“Tottenham are a very strong side and we saw that again at the weekend,” said Tilson, a former Southend United midfielder and manager.

“I couldn’t fault any of the girls for effort as they all gave their all.

“But on the day we were just beaten by the better side.

“I fully expect Tottenham to go on and finish in the top two and it will be them or Coventry who go on to win the league.

“But we’re sixth at the half way point of the season so it’s been a good start.

“And if we can maintain that position then it would be a fantastic achievement for us.”

Spurs showed their intent within minutes of the start of the FA Women’s Premier League Southern Division match when Renee Hector sent in a free kick which just cleared the bar.

Moments later, Basildon’s Nikita Runnacles had to acrobatically tip Wendy Martin’s header over the bar before Spurs opened the scoring in the 29th minute when Wendy Martin’s pass found Ronnell Hummes who was able to poke the ball home.

Basildon responded with a free kick from Amy Nash which Stacey Little headed just wide but the visitors doubled their lead in the 36th minute when Bianca Baptiste’s run and cross down the left flank ended with Wendy Martin sending a low shot past Runnacles at the far post.

Spurs then had a good chance to add a third goal just before the break when Baptiste headed over Renee Hector’s cross from inside the six yard box.

However, Basildon hit back after the break with Zoe Rushen firing over from long range before Tottenham got back on top at Canvey Island’s Frost Financial Stadium.

As a result, Riana Soobadoo found herself through on goal and rounded Runnacles but Kayleigh Xidhas was able to clear the shot off of the line.

But Spurs were not to be denied a third goal for long and they increased their lead just past the hour mark when a long diagonal ball was headed out by Lily Mellors.

However, Baptiste picked up the loose ball and fired home a low shot from just outside of the penalty area.

Spurs remained on top after the goal and, with 15 minutes remaining, Runnacles made a good low save.

But Tottenham soon wrapped up the points with their fourth goal of the afternoon to complete the scoring as Cheryl Williams netted from just inside the Basildon penalty area.

C&K Basildon will now be bidding to bounce back to winning ways when they host eighth placed Lewes this Sunday.

C&K Basildon: Runnacles, Nash (Kellett), Porter, Booker, Xidhas, Little, Mellors, Rushen, Sinclair, Rodney (Bradley), Guyon (Addison)