Oona Siren scored twice as West Ham United Women came from behind to beat ten-player Southampton 3-1 in the Subway Players Cup on Wednesday evening.
Leila Wandeler also found the net at Victoria Road, helping Rita Guarino’s side respond to their 2-1 defeat at Manchester United three days earlier.
Guarino gives Peacock and Wareing their debuts
Guarino made six changes from the Manchester United game, handing Niamh Peacock and Sienna Wareing their first West Ham appearances.
Peacock partnered captain Laia Codina in central defence, while Wareing joined Siren and Ylinn Tennebø in midfield.
Yu Endo and Wandeler also returned to the starting line-up, with Kelly Gago leading the attack.
West Ham’s team announcement also confirmed Ffion Morgan’s return to the matchday squad following injury. The forward was named among the substitutes, while Eva Nyström and Viviane Asseyi were absent.
Siren and Wandeler turn the match around
Ellie Brazil put Southampton ahead after two minutes, but goalkeeper Alina Santos was sent off in the 39th minute following a collision with Seraina Piubel outside the penalty area.
Inès Belloumou struck the crossbar from the resulting free-kick.
Substitute goalkeeper Grace Moloney then saved Gago’s second-half penalty after Siren was fouled. However, Siren equalised from the resulting corner in the 55th minute.
Wandeler headed in Piubel’s cross ten minutes later before Siren struck again from another corner in the 79th minute to complete the comeback.
West Ham build on Tottenham cup result
The victory takes West Ham to five points from their opening two league-phase fixtures.
Guarino’s side had collected two points through their penalty shootout success against Tottenham following a goalless draw in their opening match.
Wednesday’s three-point return strengthens that start and gives West Ham a positive result after Sunday’s WSL setback.
For Guarino, there was encouragement in combining a victory with opportunities for two young debutants. Siren’s goals ensured those changes were accompanied by another step forward in the cup.
