Paul Konchesky was pleased that his West Ham United Women’s side were able to take all three points against Reading in their latest Barclays Women’s Super League outing on Sunday afternoon.
The Hammers made a storming start to proceedings at Chigwell Construction Stadium, with Dagný Brynjarsdóttir heading in her fourth goal in as many matches inside four minutes.
Konchesky’s side were ruthless on the counter attack in the first half, and Viviane Asseyi netted twice from subsequent moves that had caught the Royals napping at the back.
In the second half, however, the game swung in the favour of the away side, with West Ham United letting Kelly Chambers’ team get back into the game – Charlie Wellings smashed a goal home, whilst Sanne Troelsgaard converted from the spot to make for an interesting final ten minutes.
But Konchesky’s Hammers would prevail and secured back-to-back wins for the first time in the 2022/23 season.
It was another very quick start from us
To be three-nil up at the break showed how well we played in that first-half. Like I’ve said many times, I want my teams to get after it from the first whistle, and they’re doing that and starting matches fast and strongly at the moment.
We’re obviously disappointed that we couldn’t maintain the performances levels in the second half, and that’s where we need to improve, but we were really pleased with the way that the players performed in the first 45 minutes.
Viviane Asseyi works her socks off for this team
I was really pleased that she was back on the scoresheet this afternoon. She’s a really powerful player, is quick and strong and knows where the goal is.
I know it’s only a matter of time before she starts to find the net on a consistent basis, and she’s really added something to this team since she arrived this summer.
I thought Mel Filis was fantastic today
It was her first start of the season and she got the call a little bit later than the other girls because Emma Snerle picked up a little knock in training yesterday that ruled her out.
It’s only a small injury, nothing too serious, but we’ve got to be careful with Emma and make sure that we manage her because she’s been out for a long while. I’m hopeful that she will be ready and available for Arsenal next weekend.
As for Mel, she got two assists this afternoon, which was fantastic for her and I thought she worked incredibly hard in the midfield for the team.
The disappointing thing is the performance in the second half
We’re creating lots of chances when we’re on top in matches, which is brilliant to see. But on the other hand, we’re disappointed to concede the goals that we did.
We need to make sure that we start the second halves better going forward, because that’s becoming a little bit of a thing for us and make sure we start the second half the way we’ve been starting games recently.
Macca (Mackenzie Arnold) had a little bit of a niggle, which is why she came off
She has been excellent for us this season, but she went into the game with a niggle. We got 75 minutes out of her and she’s telling me now she could have played the rest of the game!
We’ve got to look after her a little bit, which is why I decided to take her off. It also allowed young Sophie (Hillyerd) to come on and make her debut. I thought she was desperately unlucky with the penalty, but we’re really pleased for her.
The fans have got stronger and louder as the season has gone on
They’re our 12th person out there on the pitch, and hopefully our performances will help bring more people in to watch our matches, because I think our fans are really enjoying the experience of watching us at the moment.
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!
