WSL: Spurs go top of the league after a 4-2 win over Aston Villa thanks to a hat-trick from Martha Thomas.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Martha Thomas scored a hat-trick as her team rallied from a goal down to defeat Aston Villa 4-2 on Saturday, moving to the top of the Women's Super League.

Tottenham now has nine points from four games, two more than Manchester City and Leicester, who meet later on Saturday.

Rachel Daly's fifth-minute penalty broke the deadlock as Villa were awarded a penalty after Adriana Leon was brought down in the box by Eveliina Summanen.

Spencer denied the hosts a second goal with a superb save on Ebony Salmon's strike, before Jordan Nobbs' strike went wide of the post.

Spurs withstood Villa's early pressure and then delivered a sucker punch when Thomas scored her first of the afternoon with a sublime lob over Daphne van Domselaar to ruthlessly punish Rachel Corsie for giving the ball away.

The north Londoners turned the game on its head in first-half stoppage time when Neville powered home a header from a Jessica Naz cross.

Thomas increased the visitors' lead just past the hour mark, capitalizing on some poor Villa defending and firing home from close range.

She completed her hat-trick in the 72nd minute with a sublime finish past Van Domselaar after racing through one-on-one with the Dutch shot-stopper.

The assistant referee's flag saved Villa from the agony of conceding a fifth goal with Thomas through on goal yet again.

Lucy Parker nodded in her first goal for Villa to reduce the deficit after reacting quickest on the rebound after Spencer saved Corsie's initial header from a corner.

Spurs may be heading to the top of the table after this win, but Villa have now suffered their fourth straight defeat to begin the season.

Ward's team is currently 11th, with only a marginally better goal difference separating them from table-toppers Bristol City.

Vilahamn's team returns to action on November 5 at home against Everton, while Villa's quest for their first points continues with a day earlier visit from reigning champions Chelsea.

SportsLigue