C&K Basildon Ladies 0-1 West Ham United Ladies
The cold October wind blew across the aptly named Frost Financial Stadium in Canvey Island, but it was the West Ham United Ladies who were to turn the heat up on their bitter rivals C&K Basildon.
The Hammers, who had earned their first and only point in the corresponding fixture a few weeks ago in a goalless draw, named two new signings in the squad. Jay Blackie and Shannon Albuery came in from Charlton and Chichester respectively.
And it was Blackie, who had played under James Marrs at his previous club, who began dictating the game from her central midfield position, holding the ball up well and releasing the forwards.
In a tight first half the West Ham Ladies had played some excellent free flowing football and had had the better of the chances, both falling to the speedy Sarah Wilson who narrowly missed with one and blasted the ball over the bar from close range with the other.
West Ham Ladies carried on with their neat possession football in the second half, while the Basildon Ladies were restricted to long range shots which were being comfortably dealt with by keeper Chauhan.
As the game progressed, the new fitness regime that Marrs has implemented seemed to be paying dividends as the West Ham Ladies attacked at will, but they were let down by some poor finishing.
Substitute Albuery got her chance in the 75th minute, replacing Wilson and she began to terrorise the Basildon defence with her pace and power.
In the 85th minute, just when the game looked like it was heading for a draw, Blackie found space on the right wing and put in a glorious cross which cleared the Basildon keeper and was headed into the back of the net by Gerr.
Clifton came on for the goalscorer in the final minutes to see West Ham Ladies through to their first win of the season, a season that has now begun in earnest.
West Ham Ladies: Chauhan, Mackie, Wheeler, Bottom, Sammons, Cooper, Blackie, Wilson, Locke, Burr, Gerr.
Subs: Ray, Albuery, Clifton.