West Ham United Women left it late to secure a deserved 2–0 victory over Aston Villa, with two goals in the closing minutes turning a tight contest into a crucial three points on the road.
For much of the match, the game remained finely balanced. Aston Villa started the brighter of the two sides and created the more dangerous openings early on, forcing Megan Walsh into action. The West Ham goalkeeper produced a sharp save at her near post before making an even more impressive stop to deny Ebony Salmon when through on goal.Villa continued to apply pressure, and a goalmouth scramble nearly led to the opener, but Inès Belloumou reacted brilliantly to clear off the line and keep the scores level.
West Ham gradually worked their way into the contest and came closest to scoring in the first half when Riko Ueki struck the post after a strong run into the box. The rebound fell kindly for Leila Wandeler, but her effort was blocked on the line as both sides went into the break goalless.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Villa enjoying spells of pressure, particularly from set-pieces, while West Ham looked to threaten on the counter. Walsh remained dependable in goal, and the defensive unit, marshalled by Eva Nyström and Estelle Cascarino, held firm under sustained pressure.
As the game entered its final stages, West Ham began to show greater attacking intent following changes from the bench. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 86th minute when Ueki produced a moment of real quality, controlling the ball expertly before curling a precise effort into the top corner.
With Villa pushing forward in search of an equaliser, West Ham struck again in stoppage time. Ueki turned provider, flicking on a long ball to Seraina Piubel, who showed composure to finish neatly and wrap up the win.
The late goals slightly flattered the scoreline, but West Ham’s resilience and clinical finishing proved decisive, sealing back-to-back away wins and a valuable boost in the league standings.
Team Sheet
Aston Villa: D'Angelo ©, Jean-François (Mullett 79), Hijikata (Daly 65), Wilms, Maritz, Salmon (Da Silva 87), Hanson, Kendall (Maltby 87), Deslandes, Taylor, Nighswonger
Subs not used: Roebuck (GK), Staniforth, Johnson
Booked: Hijikata
West Ham United: Walsh, Hansen, Nyström, Cascarino, Belloumou, Siren, Zelem, Tennebø (Gorry 62) Ueki (Zadorsky 94), Wandeler (Morgan 62), Asseyi © (Piubel 78)
Subs not used: O'Hanlon (GK), Endo, Bose, Ziu, Hanshaw
Goals: Ueki 86, Piubel 90+2
Booked: Wandeler, Nyström
Player Ratings
Megan Walsh – 8/10
Made several key saves to keep West Ham in the game, especially during Villa’s dominant spells.
Tuva Hansen – 6.5/10
Defended solidly and dealt well with wide pressure.
Eva Nyström – 7.5/10
Composed and alert, with an important clearance under pressure.
Estelle Cascarino – 7/10
Strong defensively and competitive in aerial duels.
Inès Belloumou – 7.5/10
Outstanding goal-line clearance and consistent defensive display.
Oona Siren – 7/10
Worked hard in midfield and contributed to the build-up for the opener.
Katie Zelem – 7/10
Kept possession ticking and added composure in midfield.
Ylinn Tennebø – 6.5/10
Steady performance before being substituted.
Riko Ueki – 9/10 (Player of the Match)
A stunning goal and an assist at a crucial time—match-winning contribution.
Leila Wandeler – 6/10
Had a big chance but couldn’t convert; lively movement overall.
Vivienne Asseyi – 6.5/10
Worked hard as captain but didn’t have a major impact in attack.
Katrina Gorry (62’) – 7/10
Added energy and control in midfield.
Ffion Morgan (62’) – 7.5/10
Brought pace and attacking threat down the wing.
Seraina Piubel (78’) – 8/10
Took her goal well and made a decisive late impact.
Shelina Zadorsky (94’) – N/A
Too little time to influence the game.
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