Alex Hennessy was pleased to get more minutes under her belt on Sunday afternoon as West Ham United got back to winning ways in pre-season.
The 17-year-old clocked another 35 minutes when she came off the bench in a 2-1 victory over Charlton Athletic at The Oakwood.
Hennessy, who joined the Hammers this summer after leaving Arsenal has made a good impression in pre-season, scoring against Billericay Town and Enfield Town so far.
She reflected on another good pre-season contest.
“It was a tough one today,” Hennessy told whufc.com at the full-time whistle.
“We went behind in the first half - the girls created plenty of chances but everyone knew that we had a game to win in the second half.
“The girls found a way to win the game, and that was important. That’s what Konch (Paul Konchesky) asked us to do so we’re all happy to come away with a victory.”
Yui Hasegawa was the player that would have the biggest effect on the match in Kent, getting the Hammers back into the game just after half-time, before scoring with a wonderful free-kick with six minutes remaining.
And Hennessy was full of praise for her Hasegawa at the end of the match and took time to reflect on the teams pre-season schedule.
“Yui sets the standard for everyone and she’s so easy to play alongside. If you’ve got her on your team in the small-sided games in training then you know you’ve got half a chance!
“Her goals today were brilliant – the second one in particular was superb.
“We’re slowly stepping up the level of opposition as we move through pre-season, which I think is a good way of doing it and is exactly what we need.
“We’ve faced up against a strong Charlton side today, one that I’m sure will be up there in the Championship next season.
“We need to make sure that we’re ready to compete against Chelsea on the opening day, so I think our pre-season schedule will help with that.
Hennessy has settled in well at her local Club, with the youngster residing just over four miles away from the teams Chadwell Heath training ground in neighbouring Hornchurch.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute of being here so far,” she said with a beaming smile.
“I can feel myself growing as a player and learning new things every time I step onto the grass.
“I’m taking things on board that Konch and the rest of the coaching team are passing on, and I feel like I’m really settling in well.”
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