Head coach Matt Beard says his West Ham United team need to show self-belief after Sunday’s 3-1 defeat at Everton.
The Irons looked the better team for large parts of the Barclays FA Women’s Super League clash, despite going behind in the eighth minute, with Kenza Dali’s second goal of the season deservedly levelling the game.
However, despite the Hammers pushing hard to get a second, a double from substitute Lucy Graham secured the three points for the Toffees.
“It’s frustrating to not come away with anything.” Beard said. “It’s been the story of our season so far. We had a period in that second half where we came out and dominated the game, had a couple of good chances but we’ve not taken them or made the wrong decision. It’s cost us today.
“I think, even in the first half, we had some decent chances. I said to the players after the game that sometimes it’s down to the choice of pass, or we’ve under-hit it, and it’s cost us. Then you have the one with Dri, where she’s clean through and she’s flagged offside but she’s two yards onside
The frustrating thing is it doesn’t feel like a 3-1 game in their favour. We’ve just got to continue to believe in ourselves, keep creating chances, and the results will come.
Matt Beard
“The frustrating thing is it doesn’t feel like a 3-1 game in their favour, but we have to do better for their second and third goals. We’ve just got to continue to believe in ourselves, keep creating chances, and the results will come.”
West Ham were without a number of first team players for the trip to Everton but Beard is hopeful of having at least one back for the next match, at home to Manchester United.
The head coach is confident that he will have close to a full contingent available following the next international break.
He continued: “Hopefully we’ll have a few more bodies back next week. We had six missing today who, arguably, would be in the starting XI.
“That’s another frustrating point in the busiest point of the season so far for us. I’ve not had the ability to rotate or make any changes, like Everton could in this game.
“Everyone will hopefully be fit after the international break. Potentially, Martha Thomas will be back for next weekend. As long as Laura Vetterlein has no reaction in training, she might be available too.
“Unfortunately, Alisha fell ill on Friday night so we will need to assess her. Apart from that, the likes of Katerina Svitkova, Hawa Cissoko, will hopefully be back available after the international break.”
Despite going four matches at the start of the Barclays FA WSL season without a win, Beard is confident a big result is just around the corner for his side.
Beard added: “We’ve worked a lot on choice on finishing, but it’s our third game in seven days with the same players. We’ve had to make sure we keep everyone that is available fit and healthy.
“We just need to be composed and relaxed in front of goal. But we have a really good group of players. There’s a lot of potential in this group. Once everyone is back fit, I’m sure we’ll be fine and we’ll climb the table.”
