Barclay’s Women’s Super League, 360 Engage Stadium, Sunday 18th October 12:00
West Ham United Women returned to WSL action with a hard-fought but tidy victory across London against Crystal Palace.
It was the Hammers’ second win of the season and their first clean sheet in the first game back after the international break. The break was a time tinged with disappointment after a 3-0 loss to Chelsea, but the team came out to set the record straight.
Palace arguably had the better start to the game, flashing balls across the box on a few occasions, but were unable to find anyone to finish. However, led by Kelly Gago, West Ham grew into the game.
Gago was a powerful force in attack, able to confidently drive the ball and lead the line, providing an outlet for attacking incisions. Early in the game, she was released with a lofted ball into the box, but the angle was tight and her low shot dragged wide.
In the 29th minute, she was able to add that finishing touch as Oona Siren won the ball back on the right flank and slid it into Gago, who confidently slotted home what turned out to be the only goal of the game.
The Hammers continued to find joy on the flanks, a trend that continued into the second half. Viviane Asseyei had a chance of her own but was shown wide by the defender and struck her effort against the near side netting.
West Ham were dynamic in attack, with substitute Leila Wandeler offering valuable input
The Eagles responded and were the team who asked more questions of the opposition’s defence. But the Hammers were solid at the back and warded off attacks early, with Nadine Reisen a standout for snuffing out through balls.
West Ham still continued to have good chances throughout the game and should have found the decisive goal in the 76th minute, as the ball dropped to substitute Leila Wandeler who struck a powerful shot deflected off the line by Crystal Palace’s Aimee Everett.
A final goal was not necessary as West Ham were able to hold onto their clean sheet and ride out the victory.
Player of the match Inès Belloumou believes West Ham United Women were well worth their victory. She was happy to keep a clean sheet and felt it was a testament to the whole team’s effort rather than just the defence.
The Hammers face a busy run of fixtures, with three games to go before the end of the month, and are back in action on Wednesday 21st October at home against London City Lionesses in the Women’s League Cup.
