West Ham actually won a game with an added time goal this weekend. It makes a nice change, doesn’t it.
West Ham United’s ladies side beat title-chasing Cardiff City 1-0, courtesy of an injury time goal from Vicky Kinsman. The result end’s a positive week for the Hammers after taking seven points from nine. Last week they beat Cardiff 2-1 and there was a 0-0 draw against Charlton Athletic in midweek.
With tricky windy conditions swirling around Aveley FC’s ground West Ham found it tough going in the first half. Cardiff had a great opportunity three minutes in but West Ham’s Danica Revell was on hand to superbly block the effort.
Cardiff then had another two decent chances at goal but both flew wide of the target.
Despite Cardiff’s domination of possession, West Ham had a great opportunity nine minutes into the match. The ball was played to Vicky Kinsman inside the penalty area and she brought it under control superbly. However, under severe pressure from the opposing defence, she could only manage to shoot straight at Cardiff City’s goalkeeper.
Cardiff continued to control the ball and the direction of play in the first half and looked to be getting closer to edging in front. On the 16th minute it looked as if one of their shots was destined to find the net, but the ball was expertly tipped over the cross bar by goalkeeper, Nikki Duncan.
In the 39th minute West Ham were on the ropes again. A Cardiff header was aimed towards the far post following a corner but, this time, it was Kerry Stimson to the rescue. The West Ham full back was positioned on the post and headed the ball clear from danger.
In first half stoppage time West Ham had a chance to edge ahead through Lily Mellors, but the West Ham forward fired her shot over the crossbar. As the half time whistle blew West Ham had weathered the Cardiff storm, but had also created opportunities for themselves. It was time to reorganize and come out fighting in the second period.
Half Time: West Ham United Ladies 0-0 Cardiff City Ladies
The Hammers begun the second half excellently and looked to attack where possible. Wide midfielder, Jade Smith, made a fantastic run down the right hand side and delivered a dangerous cross into the box. The ball looped over Cardiff’s ‘keeper and ricocheted off of the far post. After a bit of a scramble the Cardiff defence eventually cleared the danger.
In the 57th minute West Ham begun a strong period of dominance, which began with an opening almost presenting itself for Kinsman. Following some nice interplay in the Cardiff half, the West Ham number 10 was nearly played through on goal. Unfortunately there was jut too much weight on the pass.
Shortly afterwards Kinsman did have a shot on goal, but it fell wide and, in the 70th minute the West Ham ladies went close again. Lily Mellors met a corner with her head, but couldn’t divert her effort towards goal.
Cardiff then began to assume control of the match in the final stages. Nikki Duncan had to be called upon to make a couple of saves from Cardiff shots as the Welsh side sought to find a winner.
Two minutes into stoppage time, however, the breakthrough came. With Cardiff pushing to win the match West Ham regained control of the ball and broke up field. Kelley Blanchflower drove straight through the middle of the park towards the Cardiff penalty area before laying a perfectly weighted ball to Kinsman. The West Ham striker then took her shot and slotted the ball between the Cardiff goalkeeper’s legs to score the winner. It was a wonderfully composed finish.
The final whistle went shortly afterwards and West Ham recorded their second win against Cardiff in one week. With just three league games left for Julian Dicks’ side there is still time to put some points on the board and finish higher than their current position of sixth. Additionally there is also a cup final to look forward to between West Ham and Charlton. On Wednesday 6th May they will play for the London FA Capital Women’s cup at Harrow Borough FC. No doubt the girls will want as much support as possible to help drive them on to victory. Maybe a West Ham team will finish with a cup this season.
Full Time: West Ham United Ladies 1-0 Cardiff City Ladies
Team: Nikki Duncan, Kerri Stimson, Danica Revell, Stacey Little (c), Katie Bottom, Kelly Blanchflower, April Bowers (Smith), Kat Clifton (Sale), Lily Mellors (Xhidas), Vicky Kinsman, Emma Sherwood
Subs: Vicki King, Jade Smith, Kayleigh Xidhas, Adele Sale
Follow West Ham United Ladies on twitter @Westhamladies
