West Ham Women’s poor form continues as they lost 2-0 away at Reading Women on Wednesday night.
A goal in each half for the home team was enough to beat a West Ham team who failed to have a single shot during the game.
Jade Moore headed for Reading’s opening goal and Brooke Chaplen’s second half finish secured the points for the Royals, who are beginning to drift away from West Ham in the Women’s Super League.
West Ham came into this game looking to replicate the magic of last season’s visit to Adams Park that saw them win on penalties as they reached the FA Cup Final.
Much Needed Changes
Matt Beard looked to use pace to exploit Reading’s defensive frailties.
He started Alisha Lehmann and Jacynta Galabadaarachchi to support returning star striker Martha Thomas, but this failed to make chances.
A switch in goal also took place as Anna Moorhouse replaced Courtney Brosnan, who has arguably been one of West Ham’s better players this season.
Moorhouse looked to have justified Beard’s bold choice as she got down to make a brilliant save from Chaplen’s opening shot.
West Ham would’ve been disappointed in how they conceded their first goal as their defence was slow to react to the second ball from a Reading corner.
Moore passed the ball back across with her head and Moorhouse had little chance to get to it.
West Ham struggled to get anything going, until the second half introduction of Kenza Dali.
This change looked positive for West Ham as Dali was getting on the ball and looking to use Lehmann and Galabadaarachi’s pace for potential counter attacks.
Game Over
Before they could get a real foot hold in the game, another set-back came in the shape of a second Reading goal.
A desperate clearance from the Reading defence ended up playing striker Chaplen through on the West Ham goal, and despite Moorhouse’s best efforts, she coolly slid it past the ‘keeper.
The goal killed the game off, and West Ham struggled to attack in the remaining 25 minutes.
Reading set a deep defence and just looked to see out their much deserved win.
Beard expressed his disappointment and frustration to the club’s website. “I’m really frustrated with the two goals. I felt we perhaps should have had a penalty for a foul on Martha Thomas in the first half as well.”
Galvanising The Team
This comes during a tough period for West Ham following their defeats to Arsenal and Chelsea and Beard blames this rather than his team’s performances for the recent downturn in form.
After a long break, it’s a must win next up for West Ham. They’ll face Liverpool at home on February 23rd. The game could represent a great opportunity for the Hammers to get a much needed win, as they’re facing a Liverpool side who are second bottom on goal difference.
