James put us 2-1 up midway through the first half, driving at the heart of the Spurs defence from wide on the right flank and finishing with unerring accuracy.

She was a constant menace at Brisbane Road, regularly beating her full-back on the inside and the outside.

‘When I’m on the right I like to drift in, wherever it opens up,’ she explained.

‘I like to wait for players to engage, and then at the last minute do what I’m good at. If they back off it gives you things to think about. I’m an instinctive player.’

Of the game overall, James was proud of the way we dug in despite not being at our absolute best and conceding late to set up a nervy finale.

‘It’s always tough coming to Tottenham. Scrappy pitch. We’re just happy to come out with a win. It showed fight from the team. I’m thankful we got the three points.

‘We stuck together and continued with our gameplan. Emma likes to keep us calm and composed, and not let the stress get to us. We had belief and it showed.’

James also had words of praise for the individual work Hayes has done with her, explaining the manager’s decision-making has helped get the best out of her after injury delayed her involvement at Kingsmeadow.

‘She has been brilliant with me. Last year it was difficult. She’s put me back in gradually. I’m building on my minutes. I’m playing 90s now. I’m just happy to be doing what I’m doing.

‘I think you play your best football when you’re happy. Coming back in at the start it was difficult, finding momentum, but with the team around me it’s allowed me to grow.’