West Ham were back to winning ways, securing a thrilling 3-2 win against high-flying Manchester United in the Women’s Super League.
Lively Start
The deadlock was broken after 44 seconds, as former Hammers’ striker Jane Ross was given the freedom of the Rush Green stadium to find Kirsty Hanson, whose header looped over Courtney Brosnan to give the visitors an early lead.
United’s lead was short-lived as West Ham’s captain Gilly Faherty battled well and laid off a pass to Kenza Dali, whose cross was met by a powerful header by Laura Vetterlein to register her first goal for the club since signing in the summer.
Battle Of The ‘Keepers
Both teams looked to add to their quick starts, creating chances in the first half. Earps’ confidence was clearly rocked, as her clearance was well pressed by Leanne Kiernan, who got a touch from Earps’ clearance but the ball floated just wide of the United’s goalkeeper’s post.
United began to find their rhythm as Leah Galton’s powerful strike was pushed away for a corner. From the resulting corner, Hanson’s header was tipped over the bar again by Brosnan.
United continued to threaten West Ham’s goal through their captain Katie Zelem, whose strike was well saved by Crosnan.
Despite scoring earlier on, West Ham failed to work Earps until Dali’s deflected strike almost deceived the United shot stopper but the England international managed to tip Dali’s effort for a West Ham corner.
For both teams, the story of the second half was the lack of end product in the final third. Martha Thomas and United’s Jackie Groenen were inches away from giving either side the lead in the half.
Frantic End To The Game
United regained their lead through their substitute Lauren James in the 80th minute. The young attacker was put through on goal by fellow substitute Ella Toone, before drilling her shot through the palms of Brosnan into the bottom left corner.
United’s lead was again cut short as West Ham equalised three minutes later. Katharina Baunach’s in-swinging free-kick from the right wing was enough to evade everybody in the United area. Baunach’s goal was the first time that United had conceded more than once in the league this season.
In front of a crowd of 1,736 people, the home fans were treated to one last twist in a memorable weekend in the WSL. Martha Thomas, who returned to the squad from her injury lay-off, was cynically hacked down on the edge of the box by Toone to give the Irons a free-kick.
Leanne Kiernan who was involved in the build-up, was shown a second yellow card due to an incident which took place after West Ham were awarded the free kick, in a game where six other players were booked.
From the resulting free-kick, Baunach’s softly struck free kick slipped through the hands of Mary Earps to seal the points for West Ham.
Hammers Reaction
Katharina Baunach’s brace was enough to award her with the West Ham Women’s player of the match. The four-time Bundesliga winner spoke to the club’s website after the win. “It was really important to stick together, especially after losing Leanne. We didn’t give up today and this was our reward.”
West Ham coach, Matt Beard spoke to the club’s website and praised his team’s spirit. “We’ve shown immense character tonight because we’ve gone behind twice and got back in it, then got back in front and saw the game out.”
