Courtney Brosnan believes the significance of defeating Brighton & Hove Albion, and the effort put in by West Ham United in doing so, cannot be overstated.
The Hammers came back from a goal behind to secure a 2-1 victory over the Seagulls on Sunday, with an Alisha Lehmann brace ensuring that all three points stayed with Matt Beard’s side at Rush Green Stadium.
Brosnan was thrilled with the spirit the team showed in bouncing back from Danique Kerkdijk’s first-half header to win the game, a result which pulls the Hammers away from the group at the bottom of the division and firmly into mid-table.
We talked so much in the past week about fighting for each other and sticking together so to put that on the pitch means a lot for all of us
Courtney Brosnan
“To go down a goal was frustrating,” Brosnan told whufc.com “It was a tough one to take, but it was more important that we kept our heads up, regrouped and reacted.
“We showed really good character and composure in the second half to keep fighting and keep pushing for the goals. I think that was really big for us. We knew going into this game that we needed three points so to come away with them was really big for us.
Watch full highlights of West Ham United women's 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion here!
“We talked so much in the past week about fighting for each other and sticking together so to put that on the pitch means a lot for all of us. It’s a big thing and it helped us to get the result.”
Lehmann’s two finishes came in quick succession, less than ten minutes form the end of Sunday’s match, and Brosnan was happy that the striker was able to get back on the scoresheet.
The goalkeeper continued: “Everyone in training worked so hard in the past week, but Alisha in particular worked exceptionally hard. She had such a great week and we just wanted to keep giving her confidence and keep pushing her.
“To see her put that into her performance clearly means a lot to her and it was huge for this team as well.”
Brosnan herself played a pivotal role in the win, making a string of important stops to deny Brighton a second goal which would have cost the Hammers the result.
“I just want to do my best to help the team win, whether that’s making one save or nine saves. It doesn’t matter to me. I just want to do what I need to do when I’m called upon.
“If I can make a save that helps us win the game then I’m happy.”
