Dave Maslen takes a look at the weekend action involving our various Ladies teams...
West Ham Utd Ladies FC 3-2 Woodbridge FC
Under 15s
The reverse fixture from last week and the same score - except this time it was the Hammers who came out on top. Despite going a goal down against the run of play, the young Hammers didn't let it knock their confidence and they were soon back on level terms through a very fine individual goal from Grace Hill.
The second half was a repeat of the first with the West Ham girls applying all the pressure. Finally they were rewarded with Imogen Bennett hitting a shot that the 'keeper couldn't hold. Less than five minutes later Imogen was at it again with a fine shot that the 'keeper failed to hold. As the ball trickled agonisingly towards the line, Grace Hill was on hand to tap the ball over the line.
The Woodbridge girls did get a consolation goal but on the day, West Ham were not in the mood to lose this one and were worthy winners.
Under 15s: Sindi Kanto, Eleanor Landen, Rhianne Holmes, Madelene Wright, Grace Hill, Abbie Fox, Shanice Taylor-Newsam, Hannah Humphreys, Georgina Momoh.
Subs: Amanda Mundembe, Imogen Bennett, Leah Mills, Ellie Bowman.
Goals: Grace Hill (2), Imogen Bennett.
West Ham Utd Ladies 1-2 Leigh Ramblers
Under 13s
The Under 13s' unbeaten start to the season finally ended with their (not so lucky) seventh leauge game. West Ham, who produced a poor performance last week managed to step up their game this weekend - but missed out on a point thanks to a late Ramblers winner.
This was always going to be a tight game with both sides capable of good play - and that's exactly how it proved. Ramblers were first on the score sheet following a goalmouth scramble, with a deflection sending Hammers 'keeper Smith the wrong way. West Ham hit the bar with an excellent shot just moments after, but good defending and goalkeeping ensured the Ramblers' lead remained intact at the break.
The second half saw an instant response from the Hammers, with Kelly Wealthall scoring a good goal to bring West Ham back on level terms. Despite Ramblers hitting lots of long balls, the West Ham back line was holding firm and some fine clearing-up from 'keeper Maya Smith kept any threats from the Ramblers at bay.
It looked only a matter of time before the Hammers would find that all-important second goal, but in a cruel twist of fate, a long Ramblers' clearance caught a static West Ham back line cold.
Tessa O' Connor chased back and did well to push her player wide, but somehow the Ramblers attacker crossed from an impossible angle. The centre skimmed across the face of the goal before dropping into the far corner, beating an outstretched Hammers 'keeper and the girls found themselves behind in a second half they had mostly dominated.
West Ham pushed forward in search of a second equaliser but the final whistle came; the Ramblers girls just edging it with their never-say-die attitude.
West Ham Utd Ladies Under 11s
West Ham's Under 11s were without a game this weekend but made the most of their day off, appearing live on Sky Sports 1 show 'Game Changers' (see above. The girls were interviewed live on air in order to promote the ladies' junior section. Well done to all our Under 11 girls for representing the club in great fashion.
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