As the ball crept into the back of the net, past Grace Moloney’s out-stretched palms, the goalscorer for West Ham United immediately turned and ran towards the main stand at Rush Green Stadium.
Pushing past her overjoyed teammates, the No8 lifted her arm to point into the crowd; a huge smile across her face.
This is what football means to Leanne Kiernan. Enjoyment, passion, happiness.
“I was pointing up to our girls that couldn’t play,” she confirmed, grinning. “Esmee [de Graaf], Julia [Simic] and Martha [Thomas] were all up in the stand with injuries and I wanted them to be involved.
“I think it was a really cool celebration. I think football is about showing that passion. I was buzzing to get that goal.”
We’ve got a good squad and we’ve got some great players here. We need to believe in ourselves to get the results we want.
Leanne Kiernan
Sunday’s match against Manchester United will see Kiernan come up against a player who has been instrumental in her own development: former West Ham striker Jane Ross.
Ross netted eleven goals during her solitary season with the Hammers last term, and Kiernan is looking forward to seeing her old attacking partner again.
A quick reunion will not stop the pursuit of a return to winning ways, though!
“It will be great to see Jane,” Kiernan said. “We roomed together on away trips last season and, it suited us both pretty well because we both like to sleep in late.
“She’s a wonderful person and she taught me so much. She’s an experienced striker, having been with Manchester City before, and I learned so much from her. I picked up a lot of small things and little details from her. She is a great laugh and it will be good to see her. I still want to take three points from her though!”
The match with the Red Devils is the start of West Ham's close to 2019, with three tough-looking league games and a final Continental League Cup group clash.
For Kiernan, there is no reason not to be positive. Football is about the enjoyment, and she is loving every minute of it.
“We don’t fear any team," she confirmed. "We want to get those wins. Here at home, we have the crowd behind us.
“I’m really enjoying the season so far. It’s great to be back playing. We’ve got a good squad and we’ve got some great players here. We need to believe in ourselves to get the results we want. We just have to be positive.”
Leanne Kiernan is the coverstar of West Ham United women's Official Matchday Programme against Manchester United this weekend. Grab yours, for just £2, at Rush Green Stadium on Sunday!
