Mel Filis was delighted to be back in the starting XI on Sunday afternoon as she helped West Ham United Women secure a 3-2 victory over Reading.
Paul Konchesky’s side were looking to make it back-to-back wins the in the Barclays Women’s Super League, but knew they would be in for a tough test against the Royals.
However, the Hammers came flying out of the blocks, a trademark of their play under Konchesky – Dagný Brynjarsdóttir heading in her fourth goal in as many matches inside four minutes, with Filis providing the assist.
Viviane Asseyi then bagged a brace before the break, with Filis sliding the ball in behind the Reading backline for Asseyi to fire in her second.
The 20-year-old midfielder reflected on the victory at the full-time whistle.
“I’m really happy for the team because the way we played in the first half meant that we deserved to take all three points,” Filis told whufc.com.
"We get off to a really good start, but I think we’ve got to try and kill the game off earlier and make sure we don’t allow them to come back into the game.
“It got a little bit shaky towards the end, but the team held on to get the three points.”
Filis was tenacious with her work rate at Chigwell Construction Stadium, and showed quality with the balls in behind that she was able to provide the front three of Asseyi, Lisa Evans and Thea Kyvåg.
She was delighted to be able to make such an impact on the pitch in what was her first start of the 2022/23 season.
“I’m happy to be able to walk off the pitch with two assists. I was just excited to get the opportunity to start a match, it’s my first one of the season and I had to wait for that opportunity to come around.
“The main thing though is that the team got the win, and I’m glad I was able to help get those three points today.”
Filis was the only change to the side that beat Aston Villa 2-1 in their previous outing, with the England U21 international replacing the suspended Hawa Cissoko.
Emma Snerle was due to be starting in place of the France international, but a knock in training meant that the Danish international was unavailable and Filis got the late call to come into the side.
“After matchday -1 I knew I had to be ready because we have a couple of players that are carrying knocks. So, mentality wise, I’m always prepared to start a game, or be involved in some capacity off the bench.
“Obviously, we’re disappointed that Emma has picked up an injury after working her way back, she’s worked so hard to try and get back fit, and we hope it’s not that serious.”
The Hammers are back in action on Sunday 30 October when they take on Arsenal in the WSL, live on Sky Sports.
Whilst West Ham go into the match having never taken points away from the Gunners in a league meeting, they will go into the weekends game with confidence having put back-to-back wins together going into the contest.
“We’ve got nine points on the board and we’re in a really good place at the moment. We’re picking up wins against teams in and around us this season, whereas last year we were only drawing with the likes of Reading and Aston Villa in matches here, so that's breeding confidence.
“That can only be a good thing, and know that anything is possible going into the game against Arsenal,” Filis concluded.
West Ham United Women are back at Chigwell Construction Stadium on Sunday 6 November when they face Brighton & Hove Albion in the Barclays Women’s Super League.
Tickets for the clash against the Seagulls are available to purchase now by clicking on the graphic below!
