A late Portsmouth equaliser denied the West Ham Ladies taking all three points at Thurrock FC.
Molly Peters’ 50th-minute opener had looked to have sealed three points for West Ham. However Gemma Miller’s late equaliser punished the Hammers for missed chances.
Manager Greg De Carnys told West Ham’s official site he was proud of his players: “We’re focussing on trying to get better as a team and better as players.
“I’m here to make footballers better and by making those players better the results will come, I’m pleased because what we saw today was progress but there are still things we still need to improve on.”
Early Pressure
The woodwork was rattled by Portsmouth in just the second minute, yet West Ham’s defence stood resolute with the returning Hannah Wheeler and Jodie Jacobs snuffing out any Portsmouth danger.
After a great piece of individual play by Peters, she placed her shot just wide of the post for what would have been a deserved opening goal. Tia Bailey then linked up well with the in-form striker who gathered the ball well and won a corner, but the set piece came to nothing.
A vicious shot by Pompey looked to have the visitors set for taking the lead if it was not for Latoya Smith who made an unbelievable save.
Second half blitz
Into the second period and the home side were getting the ball up the pitch well and took the lead in the 50th minute as Dayna Chong played a great through ball to Peters who produced a great finish.
Portsmouth’s keeper made a good block to deny Antonia Gregoriou giving the East London side a comfortable advantage.
De Carnys’ side were passing the ball about well with Peters was causing problems with her direct runs.
Heartbreak
Pompey were pressing for an equaliser and with five minutes to go they got their reward as Gemma Miller slotted the ball into the bottom right hand corner.