West Ham United women’s team came from behind to claim their first victory of the 2026/27 Subway Players Cup campaign, overturning an early deficit to beat Southampton 3-1 at Victoria Road on Wednesday evening.
The visitors stunned the Hammers inside two minutes when former West Ham forward Emma Harries slipped a pass through for Ellie Brazil, who calmly lifted her finish over Constance Picaud to give Southampton the perfect start.
Despite falling behind, Rita Guarino's side quickly settled and dominated much of the opening half. Kelly Gago twice went close to levelling, while Ylinn Tennebø saw an effort brilliantly blocked on the line. Southampton goalkeeper Alina Santos was in inspired form before her evening came to an abrupt end in the 39th minute. After Seraina Piubel raced clear on goal, Santos brought down the Swiss winger just outside the penalty area and was shown a straight red card. Inès Belloumou nearly made the numerical advantage count immediately, rattling the crossbar with the resulting free-kick.
West Ham continued to push after the restart and thought they had a golden opportunity to equalise when Oona Siren won a penalty. However, substitute goalkeeper Grace Moloney guessed correctly to keep out Gago's spot-kick. The reprieve lasted only seconds. From the resulting corner, the ball broke kindly for Siren, who swivelled smartly and fired home to bring the Hammers level.
With Southampton tiring after playing much of the match with ten players, West Ham's pressure eventually told. Belloumou produced an excellent cross from the left and Leila Wandeler was perfectly placed to head home at the back post and complete the turnaround.
The Hammers continued to create chances and sealed the points 11 minutes from time when Siren grabbed her second of the evening from close range after another dangerous set-piece caused problems in the Southampton penalty area. Guarino also handed a senior debut to academy prospect Sude Oztas, who impressed with a lively cameo from the bench as West Ham comfortably saw out the closing stages.
The result moves West Ham onto three points in the competition and provides a welcome boost ahead of Sunday's Barclays Women's Super League meeting with Chelsea.
What West Ham Did Well
The Hammers responded superbly to conceding so early and never allowed Southampton's opener to affect their approach. They controlled possession for long periods, created a host of chances and eventually wore down stubborn opposition. Belloumou was particularly influential from left-back, while Piubel caused problems throughout with her direct running. West Ham also made their numerical advantage count after half-time, showing patience and composure to break Southampton down.
What Could Have Been Better
Guarino's side will be disappointed they needed so many opportunities to get themselves back into the game. Gago missed a penalty and several chances went begging before the breakthrough finally arrived. Defensively, the Hammers were also caught cold by Southampton's early goal and will know stronger opponents may punish similar lapses.
Team sheet
West Ham United: Picaud-Inconnu, Endo, Peacock, Codina ©, Belloumou, Tennebø, Siren, Wareing (Zelem 64), Wandeler (Cascarino 90), Piubel, Gago (Riesen 77)
Subs not used: Walsh (GK), Dowsett (GK), Kumagai, Morgan
Goals: Siren 54, 79, Wandeler 65
Southampton: Santos, Mott, Bashford (Edwards HT), Heck (Goddard 77), Brazil (Ferguson 64), Harries © (Moloney (GK) 38), Murphy, McInnes, Jupp (Tucker 64), Collett, Rae
Subs not used: Nicoll, Archibald, Mitchell
Goal: Brazil 2
Sent-off: Sanots
Player Ratings
Constance Picaud – 6
Little chance with the goal and had a relatively quiet evening after Southampton's fast start.
Yu Endo – 7
Got forward well and linked play nicely down the right flank.
Niamh Peacock – 7
Looked composed in possession and dealt well with Southampton's limited attacking threat.
Laia Codina – 7
Led the defence confidently and was rarely troubled after the opening minutes.
Inès Belloumou – 8.5
Outstanding. Hit the crossbar from a free-kick, supplied the assist for Wandeler's goal and was a constant threat from the left.
Ylinn Tennebø – 7
Worked tirelessly in midfield and was unfortunate not to score in the first half.
Oona Siren – 9 (Player of the Match)
Two goals, won the penalty and was a driving force in West Ham's second-half comeback.
Sienna Wareing – 6.5
Showed energy and pressed well before being replaced by Katie Zelem.
Leila Wandeler – 8
A lively display capped by a well-taken header and several dangerous attacking moments.
Seraina Piubel – 8
Southampton struggled to contain her pace and movement. Won the red card incident and created several chances.
Kelly Gago – 6.5
Worked hard throughout and got into good positions, although she will be disappointed to have missed a penalty.
Substitutes
Katie Zelem – 7
Added control and quality after coming on.
Nadine Riesen – 6.5
Bright cameo and nearly marked it with a goal.
Sude Oztas – 7
An encouraging senior debut. Looked confident and energetic in possession.
Estelle Cascarino – 6
Helped see out the victory late on.
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