Grace Fisk was understandably disappointed that West Ham United Women were unable to beat Manchester City and reach the final of the Vitality Women’s FA Cup.
The Hammers were on the end of a 4-1 by City on Saturday afternoon, with goals from Ellen White and Chloe Kelly putting them two up, before Lisa Evans pulled a goal back just before the break.
A double from Lauren Hemp would eventually kill the game off, but the defender said that there were certainly positives that the team can take from their run in the competition this season.
“We’re obviously really disappointed with the final result,” Fisk told West Ham TV. "I think we gave it everything out there to try and get to Wembley and get the win, but it wasn’t to be.
“We only played them a couple of weeks ago and we came out of that defeat ready to go again, but City had too much quality for us today.
“This is the third time this season that we’ve played City, and certainly since I’ve been here, our performances have improved against them. In the first couple of seasons, we’d barely touch the ball or create a chance – today we caused them a few problems and scored a great goal.
“We could have had a couple more today, so there’s lots of positives to take despite defeat. I’ve come off the pitch before when we’ve played against them and been demoralised because we’ve barely had a kick, but that isn’t the case today.”
The Hammers were bright in the opening stages, with both Evans and Dagný Brynjarsdóttir being denied by England goalkeeper, Ellie Roebuck in the first ten minutes.
But the quality of Gareth Taylor’s side would eventually shine through, capitalising on errors from the Hammers, as they gave the ball away cheaply for City’s first three goals.
“I think a fair few of their chances and goals came from transitions, mistakes from us, giving the ball away in different areas of the pitch.
“They make mistakes on the ball as well, as we saw for our goal, but they just have the quality to be able to punish us a lot more than we are able to – their quality just shone through today.”
But Fisk was quick to point out that the Hammers won’t let this result bring a dampener on their season, which has seen them reach the semi-final of this competition, the quarter-final of the Continental Tyres League Cup, and secure their best ever points tally in the WSL.
“It’s been a massive improvement for the Club, and as players, we feel like we’ve come on strides this season.
“With what Olli [Harder] has done this season with his coaching staff and the players he’s brought in; I think we’re a much better side than we were last year.
“Every team knows that we will give them a game now, whereas before, we’ve been walked over at times, and I feel that hasn’t really happened this season.
“Now we want to finish the season strongly and look forward to what’s to come in the next campaign.”
The fans were out in force at the Chigwell Construction Stadium, in what would be the Clubs biggest attendance of the season – and Fisk was pleased to have so many people, especially younger fans who are looking to be inspired to play the game.
“I’m sad after the game but being with the fans and talking to them after the game puts a smile on your face. It’s so important that they come to our games, whether that’s kids, families, or West Ham supporters in general.
“It creates such a nice atmosphere, and we really appreciate them coming along to support us.”
