C&K BASILDON Ladies midfielder Zoe Rushen says scoring a sublime winner at Tottenham Hotspur was one of the highlights of her playing career.

The 27-year-old bent home a delightful free-kick in the second-half to hand the Premier League Southern Division newcomers a 1-0 win in north London, following a 1-1 draw with Charlton Athletic on the opening day.

And Rushen is now targeting more with C&K, despite the team having achieved a staggering six promotions in the past decade.

“It has been a great start and one we could only have wished for really,” she said. “We weren’t sure how well we would fare at a higher level but it has been a dream so far and the challenge is now going on to hit new heights.

“The goal was a real highlight for me in my playing career,” she continued. “To start the season well has been great for me and the team and, although I don’t expect to score as many as last season, I will do my best to get as many as possible.

“This is one of the best teams I have ever played with. We get on so well and I think that shows on the pitch. This team won’t be beaten and that fighting spirit is massive.

“I have played at this level before (with Colchester), and so have about four or five of the other girls, and I think that experience is helpful for the team. That said, playing at this level with a new team is a step into the unknown but I think we owe it to ourselves after the progress we have made to put on a good show and prove we can mix it with these teams.”

C&K were under the cosh early on against Spurs on Sunday, with Lucia Marte hitting the top of Cherie Rowlands’ crossbar just before half-time.

Rushen came close to netting shortly afterwards but her effort bounced onto the roof of the net, with Hannah Porter’s effort cleared off the line early in the second-half.

But the goal wasn’t long in coming, as Sara Sinclair was fouled on the edge of the box with the Spurs defender sent off, and Rushen did the rest.

Spurs had another player sent off late on as C&K held on for the win.

They now head to Coventry City on Sunday for their next league match, the second of six consecutive away matches for Steve Tilson’s side.

And Rushen said playing at Canvey Island’s Frost Financial Stadium is hugely enjoyable for the team, having moved there from the Selex Sport and Leisure Ground.

“It is great over there,” added Rushen. “The facilities are great and the support was fantastic against Charlton. It makes such a difference and it gives us a boost. We want to make it our home, although we now have a run of away games so it will be fun to go travelling with the girls.”