West Ham United 3–0 Tottenham Hotspur on 23 October 2011

Spurs Ladies suffered a 3-0 defeat at West Ham in the FA Women's Premier League South on Sunday.

Manager Karen Hills admitted it was all over by half-time as the Hammers stormed into a 3-0 lead at Thurrock.

Spurs - without the services of new recruit Emma Plewa, away on international duty - improved in the second half but it was too little, too late.

Carly Roache opened the scoring inside two minutes with a close-range volley and the Hammers doubled their lead on the half-hour when Gemma Shepherd's cross crept in at the far post.

Shepherd struck again from the penalty spot in the 42nd minute to leave Spurs with a mountain to climb and although they created a few chances after the break, the damage was done.

"I was disappointed with the first-half performance," said Karen. "We had a few players out but we were taught a footballing lesson.

"I said before the start of the game that it would be won in the midfield area and they got the better of us in there.

"At least we can take positives from the second half performance as the girls really upped their game.

"We travel to Portsmouth on Sunday for another tough game but with some hard work this week, I'm confident we'll bounce back."

The defeat was only Spurs' third in 10 in the Premier League South and they remain mid-table.

Spurs Ladies v West Ham: Jo Ayre, Sam Pittuck, Claire Gibbons, Rhya Vyse, Miranda Hall, Emma Kayser, Jenna Schillaci, Wendy Martin, Kirsty Thompson (Jess Cheeseman, 48), Rosi Webb (Derrie O'Hallroan, 75), Nicola Cable.