It was a perfect start in the Claret & Blue of West Ham United for Tameka Yallop.
The 30-year-old was delighted that she was able to make the impact that she did on her first appearance for the club.
“It was great to start with some goals and a win,” Yallop told whufc.com at the full-time whistle. “It’s always nice to get the three points at home and reward the fans for their support today.
“It’s been good to finally get over here and as I said the girls have been so welcoming. It’s been pretty easy to slot right in and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season with them.
"It’s a great way to start, it’s always good to get amongst the goals and have the girls support around me.”
I think a high intensity and high pressing style suits me well
Tameka Yallop
Yallop was impressive throughout the match at the Chigwell Construction Stadium – making bursting runs in behind the Leicester backline to good effect, so much so, that she was able to spot the space in behind to slot home her first goal of the afternoon.
“I think I was quite surprised by how much space there was behind their backline.
“It was a great through ball and then obviously I had to put it on my inside, which I think helped with putting the keeper in doubt of whether I was going to shoot or not, so really I think it was a pretty good team goal.
“I think a high intensity and high pressing style suits me well. I know that’s how Olli likes to play, and the girls are up for it too, so I think it’ll be one of our strengths this season.”
For her second goal, the former Brisbane Roar midfielder ghosted into the box and connected well with a Yui Hasegawa cross – and with the aid of the crossbar and the ball bouncing off Foxes goalkeeper Kirstie Levell, the ball eventually crossed the line.
In the mind of the midfielder, though, it’s her goal.
“I don’t often score with my head so it was nice to see that one go in, I’ll definitely take it”
The Hammers travel to Manchester City’s Academy Stadium next weekend, as they will look to put in another positive performance.
“I’m looking forward to facing Manchester City,” Yallop said. “If we go in with the same intensity that we had in this game, I think we’ve got a good shot! We’ve got the capability in the players to do it.”
