Grace Fisk was relieved to see West Ham United’s efforts bring a crucial three points against Leicester City on Sunday afternoon.
An own goal from Sophie Howard and a well-struck penalty from Dagny Brynjarsdottir on either side of the break saw the Hammers to their first win of the calendar year by a 2-1 scoreline.
A thoroughly deserved result from what was an impressive performance across the pitch at King Power Stadium, with Fisk quick to praise her teammates’ showing by the full-time whistle.
“It’s a relief, to be honest with you,” Fisk stated. “It’s been a long time since we put three points in the tank so it's really good.
“It was scrappy and a hard-fought match, but we got the three points and the job done and we are really happy.”
While Mackenzie Arnold was unable to keep out a late Foxes’ penalty, the Hammers were indebted to a sequence of stunning saves from the stopper, who somehow pushed Cain’s header away from goal with a superb reaction stop before the break, and also made a neat stop with her right foot too.
Speaking after the match, Fisk was delighted the Irons could get over the line and credited the showing of the Australian No1, who kept her side ahead, before the skipper doubled the lead on the hour.
Fisk said: “Macca included, it was a solid performance all over the pitch because we had to battle throughout. They were a physical team and we had to win our individual battles.”
Going forward, the result has huge significance for the Hammers. Not only do Paul Konchesky’s side remain in eighth place in the Barclays Women’s Super League, but they have momentum to take into their season finale against Tottenham Hotspur in east London next weekend.
“We are really happy to finally get a win,” Fisk enthused, as the Hammers’ completed a season double over the Foxes after a 1-0 win in east London last year.
“In the second half of the season it has not been good enough, so we are glad to get points on the table - and leading in the final game of the season as well.
“We played really well against Spurs last time against them just before Christmas. It was one of our best performances of the season so we are hoping for a similar performance, and we will also have our fans behind us.”
“Obviously, it is Spurs as well so a big rival - and we have to leave everything out there in the final game of the season. And hopefully, we come out with the win in the derby too.”
