A comfortable win, a narrow defeat and an encouraging tournament performance for West Ham Ladies last weekend. Dave Maslen brings us the latest from the camp...
Under 11s: Tournament Report
The Under 11s faced a tough test as they travelled to Chigwell to play in a round robin festival with Charlton Under 12s, Watford Under 12s and two teams from Colebrook Royals Under 11s.
The format required eight very short matches and the girls performed admirably, especially in the games against older opposition.
West Ham finished the day with a record of three wins, four draws and just one defeat from their eight matches. Also, the girls conceded only two goals and can be very proud of their efforts.
East Bergholt FC 0-13 Under 13s
The Ladies' Under 13s travelled to Suffolk to play in their first round League Cup tie against East Bergholt FC. With the Hammers going into the game unbeaten so far this season confidence within the team was high, but as with all cup ties the opposition wanted to prove a point.
And so they did with Bergholt starting at pace, out-passing a slow and rather lacklustre Hammers team. It took a Kelly Wealthall goal, which came via a counter-attack to kickstart West Ham into life after a poor opening ten minutes.
The Hammers managed to take control of the game, creating chance after chance, but some fine saves from the Bergholt keeper kept her determined side in the game. By half time, the West Ham girls had managed to score four more goals; another from Kelly Wealthall plus two from Poppy Binding and one from Mia Seeley.
The Hammers continued their good form after the break and an outstanding performance from Player of the Match Tessa O’Connor, who was involved with most of the goals scored on the day thanks to some good link up play with the forward line and United's attacking midfielders.
The second half also saw some great goals scored by Molly Bowness, Sophie Kelly, Maddie O’Connor, Kelly Wealthall (2) and three more from Poppy Binding, sending the Hammers through to the next round with a resounding 13-0 win.
Under 13s: Kelly, Smith, Harris, Adams, Bowness, Binding, Denton, Seeley, M O'Conner, T O'Conner, Wealthall.
Goals: Wealthall (4),Binding (5), Seeley, Bowness, Kelly, M O’Connor.
Eastern Avenue 4-3 Under 17s
West Ham Ladies' Under 17s were involved in a top-of-the-table clash with Eastern Avenue. The Hammers started the game uncharacteristically slow and allowed the opposition to take the lead. Worse followed, as by half time the Hammers were trailing 4-1.
However the second half saw the West Ham girls rediscover the form that has kept them at the top end of the table this season and with a more determined attitude they battled their way back into the game, pulling it back to 4-3 before the final whistle.
Goals: Shellie Sumpter (2), Aldana Zenka.
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