Two excellent goals from Molly Peters helped West Ham United Ladies claim an unforgettable 3-1 victory away to previously unbeaten league leaders Charlton Athletic Women.
Heading into this midweek contest Charlton had won all eight of their league matches but a well-drilled West Ham side took the lead after half an hour, thanks to a powerful Paige Anderson-James strike.
Peters would double the lead on 39 minutes with a clever solo goal in the downpour at The Valley.
An early second-half finish from distance gave Charlton hope but Peters secured the win with a fabulous lobbed finish 20 minutes before the end.
Despite Charlton’s league position West Ham showed no fear in the first period and their resistance was rewarded after 33 minutes, following two fantastic saves from Cherie Rowlands.
Peters won the ball in a promising position, leaving the Hammers with a two on one situation. The forward played in Anderson-James who smashed home, via the cross-bar.
Less than seven minutes later and it was 2-0. Peters was again the player of the moment, as she drove up the pitch and fashioned herself a chance, which struck the woodwork and rolled into the back of the net.
In between the two goals Rosie Kmita could have extended the lead with a cheeky lobbed effort from distance, which had the Charlton goalkeeper scrambling to get the ball away.
West Ham’s determination to hold out for the win was tested just eight minutes after the restart. A stunning effort from distance by Graham was too much, finding the top far corner.
Just moments later the Addicks could - and probably should - have levelled the game. Clifford somehow found herself in a one-on-one situation but, fortunately for the Irons, rolled the ball wide of the post.
It seems to be the moment that sparked West Ham’s second half into life, with De Carnys’s players showing resolution and maturity despite Charlton’s attacks.
And the brilliant Peters once again made Charlton’s poor passing at the back pay on 69 minutes. The striker collected the ball and sent a delicious lob over the goalkeeper, marking her second of the game and putting West Ham 3-1 up.
The league leaders continued to test West Ham but the away side stood strong, and claimed a brilliant three points against a side that, prior to this evening, had not dropped any in the league.
West Ham United Ladies: Rowlands; Mackie, Wheeler, Austin, Auguste; Cooper (c), Burr, R Kmita (Ezekiel-Meade 67), Stobbs: Anderson-James (M Kmita 60), Peters (Wealthall 81)
Subs not used: Chong
Goals: Anderson-James 33, Peters 39, 69