Mel Filis was certainly lively in West Ham United Women’s opening pre-season match ahead of the 2022/23 Barclays Women’s Super League season.
The midfielder scored twice in the closing stages against Billericay Town on Saturday afternoon, helping the Hammers to a 5-1 victory over the FA Women’s National League South outfit.
The fixture was the first that Paul Konchesky had taken charge of since being appointment manager of the women’s team, and Filis was pleased to start off with a win – despite it not being the main aim of the contest.
"It’s a nice way to start pre-season,” Filis told whufc.com at the full-time whistle.
“It was tough out there today, it was another warm afternoon and they made us work for it at times, particularly in the first half.
“It took us a little while to get into our groove, but I thought we played some good stuff in the second half and I’m pleased we’ve been able to come away with some minutes in the legs and a good win.”
Roll on/roll off substitutions were in use against Town, with Filis starting the match in central midfield, before being reintroduced again late on after a quick rest on the substitutes bench.
It was in this second period of action where she made her mark, scoring twice to put the victory beyond doubt. Her second – a delightful chip over the goalkeeper was the perfect way to round off a good afternoon’s work for the Irons.
“Pre-season game for me are about building confidence – I want to try different things and experiment a little with my play. The finish at the end shows a little bit of that – I saw the goalkeeper off her line and went for it and luckily it went in.
“It’s always nice to be involved and weigh in with goals or assists, and today the things I tried came off, so I’m happy with that.”
Konchesky gave academy players Amy Jarvis, Chloe Brand and Rebecca Chitole-Porter a chance to show what they could do in Essex – all three making the step up from the U21s side.
And Filis spoke of what it’s like being in that position having only recently been in a similar position herself whilst on the books of Arsenal back in 2020.
“I can remember what it’s like to make that step up, it was only a couple of years ago that I was in the same position as them, trying to make an impression and hold the standard.
“I thought all of them did really well today, and perhaps as I’m fresh out of being in their position I can help with that transition period.
“I know that the Club are working really hard behind the scenes to bring some talented players through the academy and give other young players that have come from elsewhere and opportunity, so it’s pleasing to see.”
The Hammers have plenty more matches coming up in pre-season – with the team back in action on Wednesday evening when they travel to North London to face Enfield Town.
For Filis, it’s another chance to put some more minutes in the bank and take another step closer to the beginning of the Barclays Women’s Super League Campaign.
“We’ll have a look back at what we did well here today, plus what we could maybe improve going into the next game.
“Every game at this stage is important for everyone, you want to get as many minutes as possible so that we’re ready as a team for when we get back to WSL action in September,” she said.
