West Ham United Ladies FC
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MAY 2012 [26 May @ 3:35pm]
20/5/12 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies' season came to a close, with the four junior sides all in action in their respective Essex County Girls Football League cup finals and it ended on a high note with all four landing the silverware.
The Under 16s started the day off with a 2-0 win over Writtle Minors, followed by the Under 14s who won 3-0 against Little Thurrock Dynamos. The Under 12s also won 2-0 against L.O.A.S.S and the day ended with the Under 11s gaining a 4-0 victory over Colebrook Royals with Mia Seeley grabbing hat trick.
13/5/12 WEEKEND ROUND UP
As the season draws to a close two of West Ham United Ladies junior sides played out remaining league fixtures this weekend. The Under 16s closed their title wininng league programme in style with a 13-1 win over Braintree Town. Whilst the Under 12s went down 1-0 to Wriittle Minors in their penultimate Spring Development League fixture.
6/5/12 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies rounded off their season with a trip to the King Power Stadium home of nPower Championship side Leicester City, having been invited to take part in a prestige friendly against Leicester City WFC (pictured)
Gemma Shepherd out the Hammers firmly in control with two terrific goals, but the hosts replied ten minutes before half time to reduce the arrears. However the two goal cushion was restored midway through the second spell when Shepherd completed her hat trick.
The reserves made the long trip to Bristol and put up a good battling performance against the league runners up before going down to a 3-1 defeat, with Rea Laudat scoring a late goal in a game the Hammers display deserved far more from.
The Under 14s lost ground in their title race with a 3-1 defeat against Leigh Ramblers.
APRIL 2012 [26 May @ 3:34pm]
29/4/12 WEEKEND ROUND UP
The persistent Spring rain has led to all West Ham United Ladies fixtures being called off this weekend.
The reserve team game at Bristol was first to fall victim to the rain when it was called off at Saturday lunchtime and will now be rearranged for next Sunday 6th May.
The home games at Flanders for the Under 16s and Under 11s were next to go on Saturday evening as the rain continued and this morning brought news that both remaining away fixtures for the Under 14s and Under 12s had also been postponed. It is now likely that some junior fixtures partricularly for the Udner 12s and Under 14s might be reschedueld for midweek evenings. Please advise team managers if you wil be unavailable for any days/dates.
28/4/12 PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS
West Ham United Ladies celebrated the end of the senior season witha presentation night at Aveley Football Club.
Central defender Rosey Sullivan picked up both the Managers and Players Player of the Year Award, with Nikki Duncan and Gemma Shepherd the respective runners up.
There was a dual winner for the reserves too, as forward Emma Harrison was awarded both trophies, with Francesca Tye runner up for the Managers award and Katie Bottom runner up in the Players vote.
Secretary Colin Roache was awarded the John Greenacre Award for his valuable contribution to the club.
22/4/12 WEEKEND ROUND UP
With the first team season now over West Ham United Ladies reserves took centre stage as they travelled to Ascot United's ground alongside the racecourse to take on Chelsea in the final of the FA Womens Premier League Reserves Subsidiary Cup, but despite a spirted performance they had to settle for the runners up medal after a 2-4 defeat.
Chelsea took the lead just past the quarter of an hour mark but ten minutes later Rea Laudat levelled when firing home Lauren White's cross. Chelsea were to retake the lead shortly before the break in what had been a fairly even first half. However the Blues grabbed a crucial third goal four minutes into the second half which put them in control of the game and fifteen minutes from the end added a fourth, before Clare Rogers found space in the box to fire home and round off the scoring.
The Under 16s were in league action winning 6-0 against Redbridge, with a hat trick for Ronni Jeffery and the Under 11s drew 3-3 with Aztecs. Twenty four hours earlier the Under 14s had won 8-1 against Romford Borough with Shellie Sumpter grabbing four.
21/4/12 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Annual General Meeting of West Ham United Ladies Football Club will take place at 8.00 p.m. on Monday 14th May 2012 in the function room at Aveley Football Club, Mill Field, Mill Road, South Ockendon, RM15 4SR.
All senior players, junior parents and supporters are invited to attend.
15/4/12 WEEKEND ROUND UP
With no action for the senior sides this weekend the spotlight fell on the junior teams with all four in action.
The Under 16s clinched the Essex County Girls League title with their 8-0 win at Braintree Town, Chelsea Martin helping herself to a hat trick and Vicky Chincharo netting twice.
Kacie Winsor Claydon hit five for the Under 14s as they won 7-1 against S&T Academy to keep their one point lead at the top of their league.
The Under 12s staged an impressive comeback to draw 2-2 with Leyton Orients Advanced Soccer School in their Development League clash whilst the Under 10s were 6-0 winners over Great Danes.
14/4/12 PRESENTATION NIGHT DETAILS
West Ham United Ladies will be holding two presentation evenings this year where the player of the year awards for all sides will be announced.
The senior teams event will be staged on Friday 27th April at the function room at Aveley Football Club from 7.30 p.m. Admission will be free although raffle tickets will be sold on the door.
The junior sides will hold their event a month later on Friday 25th May at East Ham Working Mens Club. This will be a ticket only event and tickets will be available through team managers.
8/4/12 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies bowed out of the FA Womens Premier League Cup at the quarter final stage after a 2-1 defeat to National Division side Coventry City at Ship Lane. The Hammers had battled bravely and looked the better side for large parts of the first half but went into the break a goal in arrears. Kelley Blanchflower pulled the Hammers level after the break when she chipped home, but the visitors sealed the tie and the Hammers exit with a goal seven minutes from time.
Celebrations were in order for the reserves however as they won a thrilling semi final against Reading 4-2 to advance to the FA Womens Premier League Reserve Subsidiary Cup Final where they will meet Chelsea. Emma Harrison had equalised for the Hammers after Reading had taken an early lead, but they went into the break behind again after Reading hit a second. With twelve mintes to go in the match the Hammers looked to be running out if time to turn the game around, but Leigh Houlihan thundered home a back post header, Emma Harrison added her second with a majestic chip and Lauren White tucked home from close range as the Hammers added three goals in an amazing final quarter of an hour to win their place in the final.
7/4/12 JULIA PROUD
West Ham United Ladies manager Julia Setford was beaten but not bowed following Thursday's heart-breaking Essex FA County Cup final penalty shootout defeat by Colchester United.
The Hammers battled back from a one-goal half-time deficit to storm into the lead, only for a late equaliser to take the tie into extra time. After 30 further goalless minutes, the final went to penalties, with Colchester prevailing 4-2 on spot-kicks.
Setford was naturally disappointed, but rightly proud of her players' efforts against their biggest rivals and FA Women's Premier League Southern Division leaders when she talked to www.whufc.com after the game.
"We didn't play too well in the first ten minutes but then we got into our stride.We went in 1-0 down but I knew we could come back from that, it wasn't a problem.
"We had a good chat at half-time and put things right and made a few changes. After that we went at them and dominated the rest of the game. Becky got a great goal 12 seconds into the second half and then we got another one. For their second goal, a shot got blocked and it just dropped to them.
"After that, we still dominated but couldn't put the game to rest. It went to penalties and they are just a lottery. We were just unlucky we lost out in the shootout."
For the hundreds of spectators who attended the final at AFC Hornchurch - including West Ham United FC Joint Chairman David Gold - the standard and pace of the game were something to behold.
Both teams showed great technical ability and fitness levels, with the players still going at full-tilt deep into extra time. To cap an enthralling evening, West Ham forward Becky Merritt scored an individual goal of such high quality (pictured) that it would have graced any level of football anywhere in the world.
While her team were ultimately beaten, Setford was happy with the performance put on by her players.
"When these two teams get together there is always a good rivalry. The tempo and the pace that the game can be played at by these girls shows how far women's football has come. Anyone who turned up I can guarantee will have gone away having enjoyed it."
The Ladies cannot afford to mope after Thursday's heartache. They welcome Coventry City to Ship Lane, Thurrock, on Sunday afternoon - 2pm kick-off - for an FA Women's Premier League Cup quarter-final.
"We've got to pick ourselves up and hopefully that one won't go to extra time! We want to try and win that one in the 90 minutes. I know my girls and they will dig in and work hard and hopefully we can get through to the semi-finals and move on from there."
4/4/12 BIG SAM HELPS PREPARATIONS
West Ham United Ladies continued their build up to a big Easter weekend of football with an invitation to meet Sam Alladyce and the first team squad at their own training session this morning.
The squad watched as their male counterparts were put through their paces before taking some advice from Big Sam as they prepare for two massive games in the next few days.
On Thursday evening the side meet Colchester United in the final of the Essex FA County Cup at AFC Hornchurch's ground. Whislt on Sunday they entertain Coventry City at Thurrock FC in the quarter final of the FA Womens Premier League Cup.
1/4/12 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies warmed up for Thursday evening's Essex FA County Cup Final against Colchester United with a 1-0 over Queens Park Rangers in a friendly fixture at Thurrock. Gemma Shepherd scored the games only goal as the Hammers gave the whole squad a useful run out.
The reserves travelled to Arsenal, who included recent first team signing Gemma Davison and her speed and skill proved decisive as the hosts ran out 4-1 winners to claim the Reserves League title. Emma Harrison scored the Hammers goal with a calm finish having sprinted clear of the Arsenal back line.
The Under 16s drew 2-2 with Writtle Minors at Flanders whilst a hat trick for Amber Stokes saw the Under 14s win 6-0 over Kickstart. The Under 12s travelled to Tigers and won 5-0.
MARCH 2012 [26 May @ 3:28pm]
27/3/12 DAVID GOLD TO ATTEND FINAL
West Ham United Ladies will have a VIP supporter in the stands at their Essex FA County Cup final on Thursday 5th April, when they take on Colchester United, after West Ham United FC joint chairman Mr David Gold confirmed he will be attending.
Mr Gold has already attended one of the ladies fixtures this season and the side will hope he is again a lucky charm as on his last visit they emerged 4-3 winners over Portsmouth in a thrilling game.
The final kicks off at 7.45 p.m at AFC Hornchurch's ground in Bridge Avenue, Hornchurch. Many of the clubs junior players and coaches will also be in attendance as the Hammers look to retain the trophy they won last year.
25/3/12 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies advanced into the quarter finals of the FA Womens Premier League Cup after a 1-0 victory over Millwall Lionesses in the last sixteen today. Becky Merritt's first half goal was enough to see the Hammers through to meet National Division side Coventry City in the quarter finals at Thurrock on Easter Sunday.
The reserves had no game but good reason to celebrate, as results elsewhere in their league guaranteed they have succesfully avoided relegation from the top flight of the FA Womens Premier Reserve League with two games spare, with Watford and Brighton & Hove Albion set for the drop.
League action for the junior sides with the Under 16s winning 1-0 at Little Thurrock Dynamos whislt the Under 14s won 5-1 against Writtle Minors with Shellie Sumpter hitting four. The Under 12s also faced Writtle Minors but were held to a 0-0 draw and the Under 10s won 2-0 against Tigers.
18/3/12 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies will have to wait patiently for the remaining games in their group to be completed to find out if they have qualified for the knock out stages of the FA Womens Premier League Cup after a 3-1 defeat at National Division side Watford dented their hopes of qualifying top of the group.They had given themselves a great chance of wrapping up qualification in todays game when Becky Merritt put them ahead shortly into the second half but the hosts rallied and replied with three goals of their own to take the points and leave the Hammers to wait on other results to see if they take of the top two slots in the group.
The reserve team were also in cup action and a fine second half performance saw them win 4-1 at Queens Park Rangers to top their qualifying group in the FA Womens Premier League Reserves Subsidiary Cup. Hvaing conceded in the opening minute of the game, second half goals from Fran Tye and Clare Rogers turned the game around and two late finishes from Rea Laudat sealed the win.
It was League Cup semi final day for all four junior sides and they all made it through to respective finals with goood wins. The Under 16s won 8-0 at Maldon Saints, whilst back at Flanders there was a 3-0 win for the Under 14s over Leigh Ramblers, a 2-0 win for the Under 12s over Writtle Minors and a 4-1 win for the Under 10s over Tigers.
17/3/12 QUIZ NIGHT SUCCESS
Many thanks to all those who made last night's fund rasing quiz night a success.
£407 was raised towards club funds through the team entry fees and raffle with the Paddy Power team gaining a narrow one point victory once the evening's scores were totted up by hosts Ant and Kate De Costa, who put on an excellent evening.
11/3/12 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies will have to wait patiently for the remaining games in their group to be completed to find out if they have qualified for the knock out stages of the FA Womens Premier League Cup after a 3-1 defeat at National Division side Watford dented their hopes of qualifying top of the group.They had given themselves a great chance of wrapping up qualification in todays game when Becky Merritt put them ahead shortly into the second half (pictured) but the hosts rallied and replied with three goals of their own to take the points and leave the Hammers to wait on other results to see if they take of the top two slots in the group.
The reserve team were also in cup action and a fine second half performance saw them win 4-1 at Queens Park Rangers to top their qualifying group in the FA Womens Premier League Reserves Subsidiary Cup. Hvaing conceded in the opening minute of the game, second half goals from Fran Tye and Clare Rogers turned the game around and two late finishes from Rea Laudat sealed the win.
It was League Cup semi final day for all four junior sides and they all made it through to respective finals with goood wins. The Under 16s won 8-0 at Maldon Saints, whilst back at Flanders there was a 3-0 win for the Under 14s over Leigh Ramblers, a 2-0 win for the Under 12s over Writtle Minors and a 4-1 win for the Under 10s over Tigers.
5/3/12 MIDWEEK ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies went to the top of the FA Womens Premier League Cup Group Two after a terrific 2-1 victory over National Division side Barnet at Underhill. April Bowers and Nat Grafton hit the goals and with Nikki Duncan in great form between the sticks the Hammers were able to hold on for the win and give themselves a great chance of qualification to the knockout stages.
2/3/12 QUIZ NIGHT
West Ham United Ladies are holding a fund raising quiz night on Friday 16th March at Aveley Football Club commencing at 7.30 p.m.
Team entry costs £10 with no more than five people in a team with all welcome including non members of the club.
Senior playing members are all expected to attend or contribute £5 towards the evening if unable to be present.
A full licenced bar will be available and a raffle will be held on the night.
4/3/12 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies title bid came to an end with a disappointing 3-1 defeat at home to Brighton and Hove Albion. The Hammers needed all three points from their final game to overtake leaders Colchester who had finished their programme leaving only Portsmouth with a chance of catching them should they have won their final three games, but will now have to settle to second or third spot.
With so much at stake a nervy performance had seen the sides turn around at half time with no score but hopes were raised when Becky Merritt fired the Hammers in front a minute after the restart. However, Brighton got back on level terms ten minutes later and with the Hammers pushing for the needed winner they were caught again six minutes later with the visitors adding a third twelve minutes from time.
The reserve team faced Arsenal in a league fixture and battled magnificently against their strong opposition who included England captain Faye White in their line up. In attrocious conditons the Hammers went in at half time a goal up following a fine finish from Rea Laudat. However they were pegged back shortly after the break and the Gunners took the points with the deciding goal on 68 minutes.
Only two of the junior sides were in action with the Under 12s winning 4-0 at Leigh Ramblers and the Under 10s winning by the same scoreline against Great Danes.
FEBRUARY 2012 [26 May @ 3:23pm]
28/2/12 MIDWEEK ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies kept up the pressure on group two leaders Barnet with a 2-0 FA Womens Premier League Cup victory over Tottenham Hotspur under the lights at Thurrock.
An open game saw Becky Merritt give the Hammers the lead on the stroke of half time with a fine curling effort from twenty five yards following a quickly taken corner and on the hour Rosey Sullivan's effort on the turn following another corner was defelected intot he roof of the net to double the lead. Gemma Shpeherd saw her fierce shot canon off the cross bar as the Hammers almost added a third late on.
The win sees the Hammers move second in the group behind Barnet with the sides due to meet at Underhill next Tuesday.
26/2/12 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies saw off a spirited challenge from Eastern Regional League side C&K Basildon to advance into the final of the Essex FA County Cup thanks to two second half goals from Carly Roache. Some wayward finishing had seen the Hammers unable to break through in the first spell but Roache's salvo settled the nerves and sees them meet fellow FA Womens Premier Southern Division side Colchester United in the county's showpiece final on April 5th at AFC Hornchurch's Bridge Avenue Stadium.
The reserve team played their opening Subsidiary League Cup group game and went top of the group with a 3-2 win over Colchester United. Rea Laudat levelled Colchester's early goal on the half hour and three minutes later Emma Harrison put the Hammers in front. Colchester equalised midway through the second spell, before with fifteen minutes to play Emma Harrison's second goal, rounding off an excellent passing move, sealed the tie in a very entertaining match.
The Under 14s went down 1-5 at Little Thurrock Dynamos whilst a double hat trick from Kelly Wealthall saw the Under 12s win 11-2 at Ryan FC. Finally congratulations to the Under 10s who landed their first silverware of the season with a 4-1 victory over Great Danes to seal the Essex Coutny Girls League Under 11 title.
19/2/12 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies exited this seasons FA Womens Cup after a 4-2 extra time defeat at Derby County having led with just five minutes of normal time remaining.
The Hammers had gone into half time a goal down, but found themselves a player up immediately after half time when the home sides keeper was dismissed for handling outside her area. Kelley Blanchflower restored parity moments later before Gemma Shepherd gave the Hammers the lead. However the hosts claimed a late equaliser when they fired home from the spot with five minutes left and went on to win the tie with two goals in extra time.
The reserve team played a friendly with London and South East Regional League side Kent Magpies and goals from Emma Harrison, Harriet Gilbert and Katie Bottom saw them to a 3-0 victory.
The Under 16s won 4-0 in a league game against Kickstart whilst a hat trick for Kacie Winsor-Claydon helped the Under 14s through to the final of the Essex FA County Cup with an 8-1 semi final win over Tigers. The Under 12s won in emphathic fashion with Kelly Wealthall and Isobel Mils both grabbbing five goal hauls and Grace Hill four in a high scoring win over Barking whilst the Under 10s went down 2-3 at Aztecs.
12/2/12 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies faced their second successfive fixture wipe out with all of the clubs planned fixtures falling foul of postponements due to frozen and snow covered pitches.
The first team will now try again next weekend to play their FA Womens Cup third round game at Derby County, with the Essex FA County Cup fixture at Basildon now put back to Sunday 26th February.
The League Cup group games with Tottenham and Barnet which have been affected by the fixture changes will now be scheduled as midweek games with dates to be confirmed.
5/2/12 WEEKEND ROUND UP
All West Ham United Ladies fixtures were postponed this weekend as the first cold spell of the winter arrived in force. The majority of the games for the clubs six sides had been cancelled due to frozen pitches prior to the snow arriving with the heavy overnight fall putting pay to the remaining games.
The first team's FA Cup thid round fixture at Derby County will now be played next weekend.
JANUARY 2012 [26 May @ 3:20pm]
29/1/12 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies opened their FA Womens Premier League Cup qualifying group campaign with a 1-1 draw with Colchester United. The Hammers took the lead midway through the first half via Tracey Duxbury but were pegged back twelve minutes from time from when their hosts converted from the penalty spot.
The reserve team picked up a vital league point from an entertaining and competitive draw at Charlton Athletic. The Hammers had trailed to a 25th minute goal from the hosts and their luck appeared out when Lauren White smashed a second half free kick aganst the underside of the bar but Emma Harrison fired home an equaliser five minutes from time to earn the draw.
Cup action for the junior sides with all four sides advancing. The Under 16s won through to the Essex FA County Cup final with a 3-1 win over Redbridge. In the League Cup thier were quarter final wins for the Under 14s, who won 4-0 at Writtle Minors, the Under 12s, who won 10-0 at Leigh Ramblers, with Kelly Wealthall grabbing a hat trick, and the Under 10s who won 6-1 at Copleston.
22/1/12 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies kept up their title chase with a nervy 1-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers. A heavy pitch and determined opposition, themselves needing points to avoid relegation, led to a scrappy game but the Hammers finally made the breakthrough late on when Becky Merritt's shot was parried into the path of Lindsey Morgan, who despite the keepers best efforts to recover, tucked away the rebound. The Hammers will now need to win their final game at Brighton and hope Portsmouth slip up in one of their final three games to take the title.
The reserve team were not in action but all four junior sides played. The Under 16s moved clear at the top of their league with a 2-0 win over second placed Writtle Minors. The Under 14s also met Writtle Minors and gained a 5-1 victory. The Under 12s went down 4-1 to L.O.A.S.S whilst their was an exciting 4-3 victory for the Under 10s over Hutton.
15/1/12 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies advanced to the semi finals of the Essex FA County Cup with a 3-0 victory over Billericay Town. Kelley Blanchflower's first half opener gave them control of the game and they could have added to lead early in the second half when Becky Merritt missed from the spot, but when the Hammers received a second penalty April Bowers comfortably scored and Merritt made ammends by adding a third towards the end of the game.
The reserves were also in County Cup quarter final action but slipped out of the London FA Cup with a 1-0 defeat at Mauritius Sports Association.
The Under 16s moved to the top of their league with a 3-0 victory over Little Thurrock Dynamos whislt the Under 14s were held to a 1-1 draw by S&T Academy but remain top of their league
8/1/12 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies returned to action for the first time since the Christmas break with important victories for both senior sides.
The first team were in FA Womens Cup action and travelled down to the South Coast to take on Chichester City - one of the smallest teams left in the competition - from the London and South East Regional League. A first half goal from Kelley Blanchflower eased any nerves and a further Blanchflower goal after the break and a Becky Merritt strike ensured there was no cup upset and saw the Hammers safely into Monday's third round draw.
The reserves picked up a vital three points in their league campaign with a 2-1 win at Watford seeing them leapfrog their opponents into fourth place. Clare Rogers gave the Hammers an early lead before Watford equalised shortly before half time. Leigh Houlihan's goal early in the second spell restored the Hammers advantage and a conifdent defensive display saw the side see the game out.
Only two of the junior sides returned to action with the Under 14s overcoming an injury crisis to record a 3-0 win at ROmfors Borough and the Under 10s winning a tight game 1-0 over Aztecs at Flanders Fields.
2/1/12 TRAINING RESUMES
West Ham United Ladies first and reserve team training sessions at Chadwell Heath resume after the Christmas break on Tuesday 3rd January, with the first team preparing for their FA Womens Cup tie away at regional league side Chichester City on Sunday and the reserves back in league action at Watford.
The junior sides training sessions at Beckton resume on Wednesday 4th January with both the Under 14s and Under 10s due to be in league action on Sunday.
DECEMBER 2011 [26 May @ 12:40pm]
18/12/11 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies claimed a vital three points to move into second place in the FA Womens Premier League Southern Division with a 2-1 victory over leaders Colchester United in a tense game that only got the go ahead after a morning pitch inspection.
The Hammers took the lead on the half hour mark when Jess Barling's free kick was headed into her own net by a Colchester defender. On the hour the Hammers doubled the advantage from the same combination of events as this time Barling's low cross follwing a mazy run down the left was sliced into the net by a retreating defender as she tried to clear. A late strike for the hosts set up a long and nervy injury time but the Hammers saw the game out without further alarm to set up a exciting finsih to the league in the New Year. The Hammers have two games left to play and trail Colchester, who have finished their campaign, by just four points. Portmouth are a point behind the Hammers but have three games still to play.
The reserves trip to Bristol was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch and a frozen pitch put pay to the Under 10s fixture as all sides now enter the Christmas break returning to action on Sunday 8th January 2012 with the first team starting their FA Cup campaign with a trip to regional league side Chichester City.
11/12/11 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies promotion hopes were given a dent when they were held by Gillingham at Thurrock. The Hammers had taken a first half lead when Jess Barling's corner was flicked on at the near post and deflected off a Gillingham defender into the net. However former Hammer Nat Crinean equalised before the break to send the teams into the interval level. The second half saw both sides look to find a winner without success.
The reserves were without a league game so took on South East Combination side Old Actonians in a friendly that saw the Hammers win 11-2 with Emma Harrison grabbing a hat trick, Leigh Houlihan, Harriet Gilbert and Nicole Learner all scoring twice and Kiran Hare and Jo Gigg also finding the net.
The junior sides were in league cup action with all four teams safely through to the quarter finals. The Under 16s got there via a 6-2 win over Island Girls, whilst Shellie Sumpter's hat trick helped the Under 14s to an 8-2 win a Uplands Rangers. The Under 12s advanced via a walkover after their opposition failed to raise a side and the Under 10s won 2-1 in a close game with Aztecs.
4/12/11 WEEKEND ROUND UP
Despite the driest Autumn for many a year this week’s intermittent rain caused the surprise postponement of West Ham United Ladies FA Womens Premier League Southern Division fixture away at Queens Park Rangers, with all other sides in action in the league results saw the Hammers slip to third. There was no fixture either for the reserves as their league opponents Charlton were in League Cup quarter final action.
On a quiet day for the club only two of the junior sides had fixtures with the Under 16s completing a league double over Tottenham Hotspur win a second 5-0 win over the North Londoners and the Under 14s overcoming Little Thurrock Dynamos 4-1 at Flanders.
NOVEMBER 2011 [26 May @ 12:38pm]
27/11/11 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies won a thrilling game against Portsmouth to keep up the pressure at the top end of the FA Womens Premier League after a 4-3 victory in front of a large crowd at Thurrock which included West Ham United chairman Mr David Gold.
Carly Roache put the Hammers head only for Portsmouth to equalise, but Jess Barling and Gemma Shepherd from the spot sent the Hammers into the break 3-1 up.
Portsmouth pulled a goal back in the second half before Becky Merritt restored a two goal cushion for the hosts. An injury time penalty for Portsmouth rounded of the scoring.
An injury hit reserves went down 1-0 to Gillingham in a vital league clash at Flanders Fields where on a difficult pitch chances were few and far between for either side but a cross come shot on the hour mark which flew in off the far post was the difference between the sides.
There were good away wins for the three junior sides in league action with the Under 16s hitting double figures in a 10-0 win over Kickstart with Ronni Jeffrey netting five. The Under 14s won 2-0 against Leigh Ramblers ending their hosts 18 month unbeaten run in the process whilst the Under 12s won 7-0 at Tigers.
20/11/11 WEEKEND ROUND UP
With no games due to their scheduled league opposition having County Cup competition committments West Ham United Ladies senior sides held a training ground game against each other, which saw the first team emerge 4-0 winners with Gemma Shepherd twice, Carly Roache and Kelley Blanchflower finding the net in a morning run out for both sides.
The juniors were also light on action due to Cup games being played but there was a 5-0 league win for the Under 16s over Island girls with Ronni Jefferies grabbing a hat trick whilst the Under 10s came through their League Cup preliminary round game 3-0 against Hutton.
14/11/11 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies made the long journey down to Devon to take on Plymouth Argyle and travelled back with three points safely on board the mini bus after a 2-1 victory.
Both Hammers goals came before the break as Gemma Shepherd showed her poachers instinct to nip in and score from close range and then doubled the tally with a fine thirty yard effort having spotted the keeper a yard too many off her line.
The second half saw the Hammers create many more chances but without finding the finish to really put the game to bed and although Plymouth replied with a goal of their own deep into injury time the points were already secure.
The reserves pulled off the amazing feat of completing a league double over last season's champions Chelsea with a magnificent 1-0 victory at Flanders Fields. Emma Harrison scored the vital goal late in the first half but it took a herculean second half defensive display to secure the win.
The Under 16s were also in a tight game emerging 3-2 winners against Redbridge but there was an easier win for the Under 14s who secured a 8-0 victory at Kickstart. The Under 10s had an exciting 4-4 with Hutton.
7/11/11 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies travelled to the West Country to take on Keynsham Town on their newly installed plastic pitch and came away with all three points after a terrific second half performance.
The first half was goalless and the hosts may feel they had made the better chances with Nikki Duncan's fantastic double save a turning point in the game as the second half saw the Hammers take control.
Caryl Roache opened the scoring from a move on the left and as the cross came over Roache had her back to the goal but had time and space to turn a fire home.
West Ham continued pushing forward looking for another goal to secure the win and with just over 15 minutes remaining Jess Barling swung in a high deep curling corner which everybody missed including the Keynsham keeper and the ball flew directly into the back of the net.
The reserves were also on the road but a harsh penalty award and subsequent red card for skipper Lauren White saw them go a goal and player down after just fifteen minutes against Brighton & Hove Albion. A valiant effort with ten players saw them eventually run out of steam and some clincal finshing from their hosts saw three further goals added in a 4-0 defeat.
There was Essex County Cup action for the eldest two junior sides which saw both advance to the semi finals as the Under 16s won 4-1 at home to Island Girls and a Shellie Sumpter hat trick helped the Under 14s overcome Romford Borough by the same score.
In the league there were defeats for both the Under 12s going down 2-1 to L.O.A.S.S and the Under 10s going down 1-0 to Tigers.
OCTOBER 2011 [26 May @ 12:34pm]
30/10/11 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies were held to a goalless draw on their trip to Millwall Lionesses to slip out of the promotion places in the FA Womens Premier League Southern Division. In what is proving a very tight division this year the Hammers will feel it was case of points dropped as they made slightly more of the chances but could not convert in a close contest with Jess Barling finding the inside of the post from a corner the nearest they came to scoring.
The reserves were also involved in a tight encounter but went down 2-1 at home to Bristol. A very even first half ended deadlocked but the visitors took the lead on the hour mark before Vicky King equalised minutes later, curling the ball home direct from a corner. The visitors nicked the points though when Ellie Curson showed why she has already played Womens Super League football, striking home a masterful freekick for her second and the games winner. Despite the defeat the Hammers move up a place to fourth on goal difference.
Three junior sides were also in action at a busy Flanders Fields with the Under 16s wnning 5-0 in a derby with Tottenham Hotspur. The Under 14s beat Writtle Minors 3-0 and the Under 10s were also successful against Aztec maintaining the juniors record of not letting a goal in on the day with a 4-0 win.
23/10/11 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies climbed back to second spot in the FA Womens Premier League Southern Division with a 3-0 home win over Tottenham Hotspur. All the goals came in the opening half as Carly Roache volleyed the Hammers into a second minute lead which was doubled on the half hour mark when Gemma Shepherd's overhead cross deceived the Spurs back line and bounced in at the back post. Shortly before the half time whistle the game was over as a contest as Shepherd tucked home a penalty awarded after Tracey Duxbury was felled in the box. The second spell saw the Hammers again on top but with no further goals.
The reserves hosted Millwall in a friendly at Flanders Fields. Leigh Houlihan broke the deadlock on the hour with a back post header and Emma Harrison ran through to round the keeper and double the lead eight minutes later before firing home her second ten minutes from time to seal a 3-0 win.
The Under 12s were also at Flanders beating Ryan FC 6-0 with Georgina Seasay grabbing a hat trick, whilst on the mini pitch the Under 10s played out a 1-1 draw with Great Danes.
16/10/11 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies failed to consolidate their position in the promotion places of the FA Womens Premier League Southern Division after falling to a 2-1 defeat at home to Colchester United. Lindsey Morgan's left footed effort had given the Hammers an eleventh minute lead but two second half goals saw the visitors take the points.
The reserves were in London FA Womens Senior Cup action and eased into the quarter finals with a 6-0 victory over Hackney. Zoe Lipley-Hinton grabbed a hat trick, Kiran Hare a brace and Emma Harrison was also on target on the Marshes.
The Under 16s fixture with LTD Doves was abandoned with 12 minutes remaining and the Hammer trailling by a single goal after a serious back injury to an opposition player who fortunately is reported to be up on her feet after hospital treatment and we wish her a full and speedy recovery.
The Under 14s won a tight encounter with Romford Borough by a single goal to nil at Flanders whilst the Under 12s cruised to a 15-0 victory over Kickstart.
9/10/11 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies remain in second place in the FA Womens Premier League Southern Division after being held to a goalless draw against Gillingham. In a game of few chances Stacey Little and Kelley Blanchflower both saw shots saved and Gemma Shpeherd and Jess Barling had efforts just pass over the bar as the Hammers tried to break down their hosts stubborn resistence to no avail.
The reserves took part in a more entertaining affair at Flanders Fields with Charlie Torry opening the scoring on eight minutes when she turned in a corner. Charlton equalised ten minutes into the second spell and an end to end game seemed to have gone the visitors way when they went in front with four minutes to play. However the Hammers fought back and April Bowers chipped home an 88th minute equaliser.
The Under 14s and Under 16s were without games due to Essex Schools trials being held this weekend however there was a good 6-0 win for the Under 12s over Tigers and an 11-3 win for the Under 10s over Hutton with Carson Barry netting four.
2/10/11 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies tunred on the style in the unseasonal sunshine to record a 3-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers at Thurrock and join Portsmouth and Brighton on 13 points at the top of the FA Womens Premier League Southern Division. Jess Barling got the Hammers off to a perfect start scoring after just two minutes and whilst it stayed that way until the break the Hammers doubled their lead five minutes into the second spell through Becky Merritt. Elin Hein rounded off the win by adding a third with minutes to go with the goal of the game.
The reserves also picked up three points to go fourth in the Reserve Division One South with a 2-1 win at Gillingham. Emma Harrison netted twice in the first half and whilst the hosts pulled a goal back early in the second the Hammers defended well to secure the win.
The Under 14s were in County Cup action and eased into the quarter finals with a 12-0 win over Kickstart Girls. Shellie Sumpter notched five of the Hammers dozen.
The Under 10s were held to a 1-1 draw by Tigers
SEPTEMBER 2011 [26 May @ 12:30pm]
26/9/11 MR GOLD GIVES HIS SUPPORT
Mr David Gold, chairman of West Ham United FC, showed a keen interest in the recent results of West Ham United Ladies when hearing first hand from Becky Merritt of the teams exciting victory over Portsmouth on Sunday to send them second in the FA Womens Premier League Southern Division.
Mr Gold had invited the first team striker to the Monday morning meeting to catch up on the ladies section and expressed a desire to attend a forthcoming game at Thurrock as the side continue their push for promotion to the National Division.
25/9/11 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies put in a terrific performance on the South Coast to overcome previously unbeaten league leaders Portsmouth by two goals to one. Kelley Blanchflower put the Hammers one up in the first half and repeated the trick early in the second spell to double the lead before the hosts pulled a goal back. A late sending off reduced Portsmouth to ten players to help the Hammers see out the game and claim maximum points.
The reserves crashed out of the league cup going down to a 7-0 defeat to an impressive Chelsea side at Flanders.
The junior teams were all in league action for the first time this season with the Under 16s gaining a 2-1 win over Island Girls. The Under 14s won by the scoreline away at Little Thurrock Dynamos in a close encounter whilst the Under 12s had a more comfortable win hitting twelve past Barking without reply with Grace Hill grabbing four and Kelly Wealthall a hat trick. In their first ever outing the Under 10s who are playing up a year in the Under 11 division had a successful start winning 3-0 against Aztex.
18/9/11 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies travelled to the South Coast but came away pointless after late goal sent them to a 3-2 defeat at Brighton and Hove Albion. Kelley Blanchflower had scored in the first half to equalise Brighton's twenty second minute opener. Becky Merritt headed the Hammers in front early in the second spell but the hosts pulled level on seventy minutes and sealed the game with a winner four minutes from time.
Despite a goalless first half and a Kate Duffy penalty save, the reserves eventually went down 3-0 to a Watford team strengthened by the inclusion of numerous first team players after their own game was called off due to international call ups.
The Under 16s overcame Bedford 3-0 in a return of last weeks pre season friendly, whilst the Under 14s opened their league campaign with a 1-1 draw with Leigh Ramblers.
11/9/11 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies moved into second spot in the FA Womens Premier League Southern Division table after a comfortable 4-0 home victory over Plymouth Argyle. Stacey Little opened the scoring on thirteen minutes and it stayed one nil until half time with the visitors keeper making several saves to stop the Hammers extending the lead. The second spell saw the Hammers pull away with a brace for Kelley Blanchflower and Gemma Shepherd lobbing home in the final minute to complete the win.
The reserves also recorded a terrific league victory coming from behind to earn a 2-1 victory at last seasons champions Chelsea. Leigh Houlihan and Rea Laudat provided the goals but it took a battling rearguard action in the last few minutes to secure the points.
The Under 16s entertained Bedford in a pre season friendly at Flanders Fields but went down 2-1 ina close game.
The Under 14s headed to Southend to appear in the Trinity FC Tournament where they fielded two sides but were beaten in the semi final and final respectively by Leigh Ramblers.
The post match views of first team manager Julia Setford can be viewed via the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8eVlaKSHwU
4/9/11 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies first team took on Keynsham Town in a feisty affair at Thurrock that saw seven goals shared with the scoring underway within a minute as Gemma Shepherd put the Hammers ahead. Keynsham had pulled level by the break and went ahead early in the second spell. Nat Grafton added a second for the Hammers to tie the game up but Keynsham again forged ahead again before Gemma Shepherd levelled from the penalty spot. As the game became heated it was Keynsham who went on to score the decisive goal with ten minutes remaining.
The reserves went down to a disappointing defeat in their opening league game having battled back from a second minutes goal to equalise on the stroke of half time through April Bowers the Hammers failed to capitalise on a good start to second spell and once Brighton took the lead again on 60 minutes there was no way back with two further late goals giving the score an undeserved lopsided look.
The Under 16s travelled to the National Athletics Stadium to take on Crystal Palace in a pre season friendly but fell to a 3-1 defeat. Earlier the Under 14s were also in action at the stadium and played three shortened games against Crystal Palace winning 1-0, 1-0 and 2-1 for an aggregate 4-1 victory.
The Under 12s were also in pre season action beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 at Flanders Fields.
AUGUST 2011 [26 May @ 12:26pm]
28/8/11 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies made a successful start to their home campaign in the FA Womens Premier League with a 3-1 win over neighbours Millwall Lionesses at Thurrock.
Despite a slow start the Hammers took control of the game by the break by which time Jess Barling had opened the scoring on the half hour with a shot come cross that nestled in the far corner and Gemma Shepherd had doubled the advantage with a neat turn and curling strike from twenty five yards out.
The second spell saw the Hammers add a third as some slick one touch passing opened a route to goal for Kelley Blanchflower who delicately chipped home.
A late consolation for the visitors arrived following a game of head tennis in the Hammers penalty area as they failed to clear their lines from a well delivered corner but by then the points were safely in the bag.
The reserves completed their pre season programme with a 2-1 victory at Tottenham Hotspur (pictured). Emma Harrison opened the scoring midway through the first half but after letting a host of chances go begging the Hammers were pulled back level midway through the second half before Katie Bottom scored from the penalty spot to earn the win amidst more wayward finishing.
The post match views of first team manager Julia Setford after the win against Millwall can be found via the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OomM7oe6uo
21/8/11 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies earned their first league point of the season in a 2-2 draw at newly promoted Tottenham Hotspur in the opening fixture of the FA Womens Premier League South season.
The Hammers had found themselves a goal down but went into half time level after Gemma Shepherd smashed home the rebound when Jo Wosahlo's looping shot had cannoned back to her off the cross bar.
The Hammers looked to be heading for three points when Kelley Blanchflower lobbed home (pictured) after getting on the end of a well judged through ball from Carly Roache but the home side forced an equaliser with eight minutes to play to see both sides come away with a point a piece.
The reserve team travelled to Cobham for their penultimate pre season date to meet last seasons champions Chelsea in two one hour matches enabling both camps to give all members of their respective squads a run out.
The first game saw a terrific curling effort from Gemma Abela give the Hammers the lead before the hosts replied with three stunning long range finishes of their own.
The second game also finished 3-1 to the hosts with Lauren White scoring direct from a corner after Chelsea had scored their goals either side of half time.
The Under 12s got their season underway with a 9-0 win over a mixed age Leigh Celtic side in apre season friendly.
Reaction from manager Julia Setford to the first teams opening league game can be found via the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHc8brwykP0
14/8/11 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies first team completed their pre season programme with a battling performance at home to National League Watford at Thurrock.
The Hammers took a first half lead through Becky Merritt's header but were pegged back in the second spell with the vistors then finding a winner in the final minute, but the Hammers will be pleased with the performance they put in against higher league opposition and will go into next weekends league opener at Tottenham Hotspur in good spirit.
The reserves continued their pre season programme with a 2-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers. An early goal from Jo Gigg and Lauren White's second half effort put the Hammers in control before Rangers grabbed a consolation goal.
The Under 14s played their first pre season game beating Nottinghamshire based Underwood Villa 3-1 at Flanders in a game as part of the visitors London tour.
7/8/11 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies gained a comfortable victory in their penultimate pre season fixture overcoming Enfield Town of the South East Combination League 7-0 at Thurrock. Five players found the net with Gemma Shepherd and Kelley Blanchflower both bagging a brace and Mel Abegglen, Carly Roache and Elin Hein also on target.
The reserves also faced South East Combination opposition winning 2-1 against newly promoted Brentwood Town at Flanders Fields with Harriet Gilbert and Clare Rogers either side of half time putting the Hammers in control before Brentwood scored a late consolation.
JULY 2011 [26 May @ 12:22pm]
31/7/11 WEEKEND ROUND UP
With the weather finally providing conditions more familiar with pre season matches, West Ham United Ladies continued their preparations for the FA Womens Premier League campaign with a 3-2 victory over South East Combination side Ipswich Town on the back pitch at Thurrock.
Kelley Blanchflower gave the Hammers a half time lead with her third goal of the season but two replies after the break from the visitors saw the Hammers have to come from behind. Gemma Shepherd levelled things up before Alex Duberry hit the winner.
The reserves looked set for victory in their game with Eastern Regional Premier Division side C&K Basildon after Harriet Gilberts first half strike and Nicole Learners first senior goal midway through the second spell gave them a two nil lead. But two late goals from the hosts, the second with the final kick of the game, saw the match end all square at two a piece.
27/7/11 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
West Ham United Ladies are seeking matchday programme advertisers and sponsors.
All the Hammers FA Womens Premier League and FA Womens Cup matches this season will see the issue of a colour 16 page A5 matchday programme and advertising space is available to local companies for just £200 per half page for the whole season.
In addition the advertisers will have their company logo and web link added to this site and two free passes to all the Ladies home games.
For further details of how you can help back the ladies contact Julia Setford at: juliasetford@yahoo.co.uk
24/7/11 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies continued their pre season programme with both senior sides in action today.
Depsite the holiday season being in full swing the Hamemrs were able to send out two squads although first team opponents Ebbsfleet United were not so fortunate having to scratch the planned fixture which meant a last gasp search was put in place to secure National League side Coventry City as opponents. The Sky Blues sent a strong side down to Chadwell Heath where on the artifical pitch they beat the Hammers 3-0.
The reserve team opened their season with a 4-1 victory at Billericay Town of the Eastern Regional Premier League with Harriet Gilbert scoring five minutes into her debut, Zoe Lipley-Hinton getting on the scoresheet just before the break and Jo Gigg weighing in with two late goals.
17/7/11 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies continued their pre season programme with a trip to Brighton to take on Lewes on a 3G pitch high on the South Downs in a game played in weather more akin to January than July amidst thunder, lightning and torrential rain.
The Hammers found themsleves two down midway through the first half but Kelley Blanchflower pulled a goal back and Becky Merritt drew the sides level, however the half time whistle came with the Hammers again in deficit after Lewes tucked away a penalty. An own goal restored parity before Lewes were awarded a second penalty on 80 minutes but time remained for the Hammers to again level through Kayleigh Xidhas.
With more players returning from breaks and injuries next week the Hammers will look to ramp up their pre season preparations with a near full strength squad making the trip to Ebbsfleet United and the reserves starting their programme with a trip to Billericay Town.
10/7/11 WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies started their pre season campaign with a trip up the M11 for the first team to take on South East Combination League side Cambridge on the 3G pitch at Comberton Valley College. With many of the Hammers first eleven still on vacation or not yet match fit following injury, it was a new look and youthful side that took the field with just four of the starting eleven having featured in the closing league game of the last campaign.
Debutant, Kelley Blanchflower's goal on 65 minutes had pulled the Hammers level after the hosts had taken a first half lead, but the Hammers fell behind again ten minutes from time.
The Hammers will continue their preparations for the new league campaign with a trip to Lewes next Sunday.
JUNE 2011 [26 May @ 12:09pm]
28/6/11 FAWPL FIXTURES RELEASED
West Ham United Ladies will face an opening day trip to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday 21st August after the FA Womens Premier League Southern Division fixtures were released today.
Tottenham are newly promoted as champions of the South East Combination and the Hammers will quickly get to grips with the newcomers to the Division as they face Millwall, who were relegated from the National Division, at home the following week and after a trip to Keynsham Town they then receive newly promoted Plymouth Argyle who came up from the South West Combination.
Meanwhile the Reserve Team will face a visit from newly promoted Brighton & Hove Albion to begin their FA Womens Premier Reserve League Division One South campaign on Sunday 4th September.
The Hammers will then travel to Cobham to take on Chelsea before a visit from Watford and a as yet undrawn League Cup tie.
23/6/11 NEW LOOK WESBITE
West Ham United Ladies website will be undergoing maintainance on Tuesday 29th June.
The site will be out of action for several hours during the day but wil return with a fresh new look as part of the Club Website beta upgrade.
20/6/11 SENIOR PRE SEASON DATES
West Ham United Ladies two senior squads will return to pre season training on Tuesday 28th June.
Last season's squad members and invited trialists should assemble in the car park at Chadwell Heath at 7.30 p.m.
Whilst the boys academy are still on holiday training will be at the earlier time of 7.30 but will revert to 8.00 once they return. Sessions will run until 9.30.
18/6/11 PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS
West Ham United Ladies celebrated the end of another successful season with a trophy laden presentation night in the Paolo Di Canio Suite at Upton Park last night attended by over 300 players and guests. Stacey Little picked up the Managers player of the year award with Tracy Duxbury winning the PLayers Player of the Year.
11/6/11 JUNIOR TRIALS
West Ham United Ladies junior sides are already planning for next seasons campaign with the club holding an open trial for players wishing to join their Under 10, Under 12 Under 14 and Under 16 squads on Sunday 26th June.
Those interested should contact WestHamLadiesJuniors@hotmail.co.uk for further details.
MAY 2011 [9 Jun @ 10:00pm]
23/05/11 THAT'S ALL FOLKS: WEEKEND ROUND UP
The curtain came down on West Ham United Ladies season with three junior sides in action in their respective Essex County GIrls League Cup Finals. The Under 16s went down 1-0 in a closely fought final with Tottenham Hotspur but there were wins for the other two sides in action. The Under 14s won 2-1 against Senrab with Ciara Bland and Chelsea Martin netting the crucial goals to secure a league and cup double, whilst the Under 10s also completed the double with a 6-0 win over Great Danes where a hat trick for Kelly Wealthall, two for Mia Seeley and a Jasmine Reilly goal paved the way to victory.
08/05/11 CAUGHT ON THE LINE: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies were denied promotion on the last day of the season as they were overhauled by Cardiff City who take the second promotion slot behind champions Charlton Athletic. The Hammers who finished their programme last week were hoping that Cardiff would slip up at Keynsham Town who could have taken second spot themselves with an improbable 6-0 win. However the match ended with a 2-0 win to the Welsh side leaving the Hammers in third spot equalling their best ever finish which they also achieved in 2008/9. The reserves saw their plans to take part in the FA Umbro Fives this weekend foiled by a mix up by the organisers who had sent out incorrect times for the event and so missed out on the chance to qualify for Wembley. However eight members of the Under 16 squad will be off to Wembley to take part in the pre match ceremony of the UEFA Champions League Final which was the prize on offer for them winning the Ford UK Five A Side event at Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday. Two junior sides were in action on Sunday with the Under 12s winning 5-2 against Runwell & Rayleigh Raiders and the Under 10s earning a 6-3 win over an older Hutton side. Earlier in the week the Under 19s had completed their league programme slipping to a 1-0 defeat against Mauritius Sports on Wednesday evening, to end up in fourth place in the league.
07/05/11 HAMMERS OFF TO CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL
Eight members of West Ham United Ladies Under 16s will be guests of Ford UK at the UEFA Champions League Final as a prize for winning the Ford sponsored 5 a side competition at Dagenham and Redbridge FC. Not only will they see the Manchester United v Barcelona clash but as part of the prize will be carrying the UEFA flag onto the Wembley pitch as the teams enter.
03/05/11 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
West Ham United Ladies Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 24th May 2011 starting at 8.30 p.m. at Aveley Football Club Millfield Mill Rd South Ockendon RM15 4SR
01/05/11 DOWN TO THE WIRE: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies will have to wait until next weekend to find out their fate as the FA Womens Premier League Southern Division promotion race goes to the final game. The Hammers were held 1-1 at Brighton & Hove Albion in their final game and must now hope Cardiff City fail to pick up any points from their trip to Keynsham Town next Sunday if they are to be promoted in second spot. Becky Merritt's second minute goal saw the Hammers make a perfect start but they were pegged back just before half time when a cross was deflected into the net with the referee over-ruling an offside flag as the ball had come off a Hammers defender. Three junior sides were in action at Flanders Fields with the Under 16s playing out a 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur to finish runners up behind their visitors in their league. The Under 12s won 12-0 in a friendly with Hutton with hat tricks for Lotte Wubben-Moy, Teagan Heard and Klesha Darroux whilst the Under 10s beat Great Danes 4-0.
APRIL 2011 [2 May @ 6:35pm]
28/04/11 HIGH STAKES: MIDWEEK ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladie gained a crucial victory agaist Gillingham in a high stakes game under the floodlights at Lordswood FC. The match had a huge bearing on both promotion and relegation issues in the FA Premier League Southern Division, with the 2-0 win sending the Hammers into second place and condemning Gillingham to a bottom two finish. Carly Roache on seventy five minutes and Nina Downham five minutes later scored the goals that lifted the Hammers above both Cardiff and Keynsham, with these two sides set to meet on May 8th. West Ham finish their fixtures at Brighton on Sunday, where a win would take them out of Keynsham's grasp. But if Cardiff match the Hammers' result when they host Colchester, a victory for them against Keynsham would deny the Hammers promotion. There was further good news for the Hammers when as expected the FA announced the reserve team had been awarded the points from the fixtures where their opposition had failed to raise a side and had played ineligible players, which saw them safe from any threat of relegation.
24/04/11 FIRST TO BLINK: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies face a battle of nerves with four other clubs as the FA Womens Premier League Southern Division goes into a thrilling final week with both promotion spots still up for grabs amongst the top five. The Hammers kept in contention with a 2-1 victory at Yeovil Town thanks to first half goals from Carly Roache and Jo Woodgates from the penalty spot but faced a nervy final few minutes after Yeovil pulled a late goal back in a frantic effort to avoid the defeat brought about relegation at the end of their first season at this level. Wins at Gillingham on Wednesday and Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday would see the Hammers promoted if either Charlton Athletic or Cardiff City fail to take maximum points from their remaining games, with Keynsham and Portsmouth also ready to snap up a promotion place should anyone slip up. No other senior sides were in action, but the juniors had a busy day at Flanders with the Under 16s securing second spot in their league with a 4-0 victory over Little Thurrock Stars. The Under 14s hosted the Maryland ODP side on tour from America and lost a tight game 2-0 having also met American opposition on Friday when they played the visiting West Ham International Academy going down by a single goal. Finally, a Kelly Wealthall hat trick helped the Under 10s to a 7-3 victory over Great Danes.
17/04/11 EIGHT DAYS A WEEK: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies face three crucial games in eight days in their efforts to win promotion from the FA Womens Premier League South after a narrow 1-0 defeat at Cardiff City saw the Hammers slip to fifth and blew the promotion race wide open. A goal late in first half stoppage time was enough to thwart the Hammers at the Cardiff International Stadium and leaves them facing a trip to Yeovil next Sunday with a midweek game at Gillingham on Wednesday week and finally a trip to Brighton on 1st May and they could require maximum points and certainly two wins if they are to gain a top two spot. The reserves ended their league season with possibly one of the best results in the club's history as they defended magnificently to earn a vital goalless draw at champions elect Arsenal despite having to play the final twenty five minutes with just ten players following injury and without the luxury of any substitutes against a side laden with youth internationals, but with Toni Munro outstanding between the sticks and a terrific team effort they held on for a point that may just keep them up. The Under 19s fell to a 6-2 defeat at the hands of Hemel Hempstead Town in a high scoring game and there were also goals galore for the Under 14s who in a style befitting champions beat Redbridge 17-1 in their final league game. The Under 10s went down 3-2 to an older L.O.A.S.S.side in the second of their 9 a side friendly games in preparation for the step up next season.
10/04/11 KEEP CALM: WEEKEND ROUND UP
Calm heads will be needed in the run in after West Ham United Ladies slipped to a 3-0 defeat at Charlton Athletic relinquishing top spot to their hosts in the process. The damage was done in the first half as Charlton raced into a three goal lead with league top scorer Gemma Bryan netting twice. With other results not going the Hammers way they dropped to third spot and with five teams still in the title race there will be some tested nerves in the remaining four games. Nervous moments for the reserves too as they will require a win at Arsenal next week if they are to keep their hopes of avoiding relegation in their own hands after they lost to Watford by a single goal as despite a late rally that saw them hit bar and post they could not force an equaliser. Business as usual for the the juniors sides saw the Under 14s beat Hutton 14-1, the Under 12s win 6-0 at Little Thurrock Diamonds and stepping up to nine a side football for the first time the Under 10s won 7-0 against Beacon Hill.
08/04/11 HAMMERS LIFT COUNTY CUP
West Ham United Ladies secured the Essex FA Womens County Cup for the second time in three years after a 2-1 victory against Hutton at AFC Hornchurch's Bridge Avenue Stadium. The Hammers went two goals ahead inside twenty minutes thanks to goals from Carly Roache and Nat Grafton. However they could not find a third despite numerous chances allowing Hutton, who play three leagues below the Hammers in the Eastern Regional Division One South to stay in the game and they improved their chances of pulling off a giant killing act when they scored a well struck thirty yard free kick on the second spell. The Hammers continued to fail to find the killer touch in front of goal as further chances went begging but saw the game out with no further alarm to lift the trophy. A full range of photos from the game are available to view and purchase via the TGS Gallery:
http://goo.gl/bE8Ji
03/04/11 FAMOUS FIVE: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies enter the last five games of the league campaign with a two point lead at the top of the FA Womens Premier League South as they strengthened their promotion push with a 3-0 victory at Queens Park Rangers to set up a thrilling finish to what could prove a famous season. Carly Roache got the Hammers off to a perfect start scoring inside five minutes and shortly before the half hour Gemma Shepherd had doubled the lead from the spot. Jess Barling added a third ten minutes after the break direct from a corner to seal the points. No game for the reserves who once again await an FA ruling after Reading failed to field a team against them for the second time in five weeks. The Under 19s were held to a 1-1 draw by Knaphill Wanderers putting a big dent in their title hopes which are now out of their hands. The was a title success for the juniors with the Under 14s emphatically securing their league title after a 12-1 win over Redbridge with hat tricks for Chelsea Martin and Mollie Rose. There was also a high scoring win for the Under 12s as four players, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Klesha Darroux, Grace HIll and Eleanor Landen hit hat tricks in a 13-1 win at Hutton and the Under 10s were also in winning form with a 4-0 win at Great Danes. Highlights of the first team win at Queens Park Rangers and the post match reaction of manager Julia Setford can be found via the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nu4i5eegiNs
MARCH 2011 [2 May @ 6:31pm]
27/03/11 END OF THE JOURNEY: WEEKEND ROUND UP West Ham United Ladies exciting journey in this seasons FA Womens Cup sponsored by E-On finally came to an end at the quarter final stage with an extra time defeat at Barnet. Barnet had taken the lead midway through the first half but two goals shortly after the break turned the tie around as first Gemma Shepherd lobbed in from thirty yards and then Jo Woodgates fired a free kick into the top corner. The Hammers seemed to be set to hold out until 12 minutes from time when Barnet levelled from the spot after a collision between keeper Toni Anne Wayne and home forward Stacey Sowden saw the Hammers keeper receive a red card and in the second half of extra time Barnet scored what proved to be the winner to end the Hammers cup oddysey. At the end of the game the seriousness of the head injury received by Stacey Sowden emerged as she was airlifted to hospital and we send our best wishes for her recovery. The game was watched by several reserve team and Under 19s players whose sides were both without a game although their was a full programme for the juniors. The Under 16s won 5-0 at Chelmsford City whilst the Under 14s went down 0-2 at Senrab in their respective league games whilst the Under 12s won 8-0 at Beacon Hill in the first of their post league friendly fixtures with a hat trick for Grace Hill and four for Lotte Wubben-Moy. Finally congratulations to the Under 10s squad who wrapped up the league title with a hundred percent record and three games to spare a 4-0 victory at Tigers.
20/03/11 CHASING PACK: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies slipped up in their FA Womens Premier League clash with Portsmouth allowing the chasing pack to close in on the Hammers as the promotion race enters the closing stages. Two first half goals for the visitors sealed the Hammers fate at Thurrock and despite creating more in the second spell the damage had been done and whilst title rivals Keynsham Town also dropped points the gap between the Hammers and third spot is now just four points. The reserves travelled to Chelsea and despite twice taking the lead in the first half through Leigh Houlihan's twenty five yard strike and an own goal, and turning round at two each, their hosts pace and quality saw them emerge 5-2 winners. Silverware for the Under 19 Development side as they won the London FA Junior Cup with a 4-2 extra time win over Petts Wood. The Greater London Womens Regional League side had pushed the higher ranked Hammers all the way but two goals from Jo Gigg in the extra thirty minutes saw the Hammers lift the trophy. The junior sides were also on cup duty with three sides advancing to their league cup finals after semi finals wins. The Under 16s cruised through with an 8-0 victory over Chelmsford CIty, whilst the Under 14s came through untroubled with a 5-0 win at Valley Green and in a tight game at Flanders Fields the Under 10s made it a hat trick of finalists with a 2-1 wn over Ryan FC. The post match views of first team manager Julia Setford after the game with Portsmouth can be found via the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhHQQlGe3I8
13/03/11 LASTMINUTE.COM: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies have reached the quarter final stage of the E-On sponsored FA Womens Cup for the first time in their history thanks to a last minute strike from Jo Woodgates which earned the Hammers a 1-0 victory over Enfield Town in their fifth round clash. The Hammers had to hold out through injury time with just ten players after Becky Merritt received a red card shortly after the goal but stood firm to enter Monday's draw for the last eight. No game for the reserves this week as their opposition for a friendly, in the absence of a league fixture, pulled out late on Friday and a reverse for the Under 19 side as they slipped out of the John Greenacre Memorial Trophy, with a 3-4 defeat to Hemel Hempstead Town despite two goals from Rea Laudat and one from Katie Bottom. In the junior games the Under 16s won a friendly fixture against LTD Stars 8-0 with Dannielle Roberston scoring five. The Under 14s were also at Little Thurrock winning 2-0 against LTD Doves while there was a 5-0 win for the Under 10s against Writtle with Kelly Wealthall hitting a hat trick. Jo Woodgates match wining strike for the first team can be viewed via the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPZUPer5LDs
The post match views of manager Julia Setford can be found via the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRUkdQqx2PU
06/03/11 ROAD TO RICOH: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies took another step along the road to the E-On sponsored FA Womens Cup Final to be held at Coventry City's Ricoh Arena with a fourth round win over Colchester United. Nina Downham's two first half goals put the Hammers in control and Emma Thomas added a third after the visitors had pulled one back. Kayleigh Xidhas added a fourth after Colchester had again got themselves to within a goal of the Hammers to clinch a 4-2 victory and a trip next weekend to Enfield Town of the South East Combination League in the last sixteen. The reserves also hit four in their friendly with Charlton Athletic, Leigh Houlihan and Maddie Thomas putting the Hammers two up before the hosts rallied with a three goal blast in ten second half minutes to turn the game on its head, but further goals from Emma Harrison and Clare Rogers saw the Hammers seal a 4-3 win. Four goals too for the Under 19s who beat Luton Town 4-2 with Rea Laudat grabbing two and Katie Bottom and April Bowers also scoring to keep their title hopes very much alive. A crucial win too for the Under 14s who beat title rivals Tigers 2-1 at Flanders Fields whisl tthe Under 12s enjoyed a comprehensive 11-1 win over Tigers in their friendly fixture with hat tricks for Lotte Wubben-Moy and Teagan Heard.
The goals from the first teams E-On sponsored FA Womens Cup win over Colchester today can be found via the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuueGZVOlp0
The post match views of manager Julia Setford and Rosey Sullivan can be found via the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Q8bS-Uj5pI
FEBRUARY 2011 [2 May @ 6:29pm]
27/02/11 LADIES IN WAITING: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies will have to wait another week to play their E-on sponsored FA Womens Cup fourth round tie with Colchester United after Saturdays rain made the pitch at Thurrock unplayable and saw the game postponed with both teams entering the hat alongside the Womens Super Legaue sides for Mondays fifth round draw. A waiting game for the reserves too, who saw opponents Reading unable to raise a side to fulfill their league fixture and with various County Cup semi finals being postponed will have a wait for several weeks before they can resume their league programme and will also await a league ruling on the status on the postponed game. The Under 19s were without action as the rain caused the cancellation of their league game with Hemel Hempstead who they meet again in a fortnight in a cup game. Of course the ever reliable Flanders Fields was able to cope with the wet weather and the Under 16s won a tight encoutner against Little Thurrock Dynamos Foxes by a single goal. Although the other junior sides must also wait patiently through another week before they play again as games were lost to weather, fixture scheduling and opposition unavailability to cap another week of frustration.
20/02/11 MOTH BALLS: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies will need to get the moth balls off their Cup Final outfits after two semi final successes at the weekend. Despite heavy rain earlier in the weekend all senior fixtures went ahead with the first team winning their Essex FA County Cup semi final against Colchester United 2-0. The match was switched to Colchesters training ground after their usual home venue was declared unfit but the switch did few favours for the hosts as first half goals from Nat Grafton and Gemma Shepherd from the spot saw the Hammers through to the final, when they will meet South East Regional League Divison One side Hutton at AFC Hornchurch's ground on Thursday 7th April. The Under 19 Development side were also in semi final action and a 2-1 win over Newham Women with goals from Jo Gigg and Jess Preston has seen them reach the London FA Junior Cup Final where they will meet Petts Wood on Sunday 20th March at Beckenham Town FC. The Hammers reserve team made the long trek to South Wales to take on Cardiff City and returned back over the Severn Bridge with a vital league point after Lucy Wyatt had netted in their 1-1 draw. Forty eight hours earlier the reserves had encountered success at the Essex FA Futsal tournament rattling in 22 goals in winning all their four games. The junior fixtures for this weekend were all washed out by the rain. The post match views of manager Julia Setford from the Essex FA County Cup semi final win against Colchester United can be found via the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSkCo47m28A
13/02/11 BACK ON TOP OF THE TREE: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies went back to the top of the FA Womens Premier League South after a 2-0 victory over Gillingham at Thurrock. Emma Thomas was provider for both goals as her well delivered free kick flew off the head of a Gills defender to give the Hammers the lead midway through the half and her outswinging corner found an unmarked Stacey Little who powerfully headed home a second shortly before the break. With rivals Keynsham again suffering a postponed game the Hammers eased through the second spell to jump two points clear at the top. The reserves had a weekend off whilst the remaining sides were in cup action with the Under 19s advancing to the fourth round of the John Greenacre Memorial Trophy with a 1-0 victory over Camden Town with Katie Bottom's 75th minute goal deciding the tie. The Under 14s and Under 16s both bowed out of their respective County Cups at the semi final stage with the Under 16s being beaten 4-0 by Little Thurrock Dynamos Foxes and the Under 14s going down 3-1 at home to Tigers. There was cup success for the Under 10s however who advanced to the semi final of their league cup with a 2-0 win over Tigers.
Highlights from the first team win over Gillingham can be found via the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tK-zLnduawE
The post match views of manager Julia Setford and captain Nat Grafton can be found via the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87Iiy6Lg30c
A full range of photos from the firstteam game are available to view and purchase via the TGS Gallery:
http://tgsphoto.photoshelter.com/gallery/West-Ham-United-Ladies-vs-Gillingham-Ladies-13-02-11/G0000f91uN9O0dxM
06/02/11 HAPPY DAYS: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies came through a tough looking E-on sponsored FA Womens Cup third round tie with Brighton & Hove Albion with Carly Roache's goal three minutes before the break all there was between the sides as the Hammers edged through into the Monday's fourth round draw with a 1-0 victory. A happy day for the reserve team as well as the injury hit side battled pain, wind and mud on a difficult pitch to gain three points from a 3-1 victory at Watford with goals from Lauren White, Jo Woodgates and Emily Masters seeing them home. The Under 19 side were narrowly edged out in a top of table clash with KIKK United at Regents Park, going down by a single goal but saw other rivals for the top spot also drop points in the four way title chase. The Under 14s gained a 3-0 victory at Flanders Fields against Little Thurrock Dynamos in an early kick off to avoid the Upton Park crowds, whilst for the same reason the Under 10s switched their game to Saturday afternoon when they beat Aztecs under 11s 4-0.
JANUARY 2011 [2 May @ 6:27pm]
30/01/11 UPS AND DOWNS: WEEKEND ROUND UP
A day of up and down results for West Ham United Ladies with vital league games for the senior sides and league cup action for the juniors. The first team took part in a top versus second game against title rivals Keynsham Town at Thurrock but a goal in either half for the visitors saw the sides swap league postions on the final whistle as the Hammers went down 0-2 in a game where they made enough chances to have at least gained a draw had the finishing matched the approach play. An injury hit reserve side went to league leaders Chelsea and another magnificent defensive performance coupled with a last minute equaliser from Zoe Lipley-Hinton saw them gain very creditable point in an exciting 1-1 draw. The Under 19s were also in top of the table action remaining top after a two all draw at second placed Kent Magpies after first half goals from Rea Laudat and Gemma Abela had been pegged back by the hosts in the second spell. Quarter finals day in the league cup for the juniors saw two of the three sides in action through to the semis with the Under 16s there courtesy of a 2-0 win at Little Thurrock Foxes and the Under 14s cruising through with a 18-1 win at Colchester Town with Mollie Rose grabbing five of the goals and Chelsea Martin four. The Udner 12s bowed out of their competition with a narrow 3-2 defeat at Corringham Cosmos whilst the Under 10s must wait a few more weeks to play their quarter final with Tigers.
23/01/11 MUDDY FOXES: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies slipped out of the FA Womens Premier League Cup at the quarter final stage after a 2-1 defeat at Leicester City. A very heavy muddy pitch made a passing game difficult for both sides but the Hammers seemed to have got to grips with the surface when Becky Merritt gave them a 35 minute lead. They were pegged back before the break though and it was the Foxes who kept their feet on the badly cut up ground to find a winner 12 minutes from time to go through to the semi finals. The reserves found a far better playing surface when they took on Arsenal in the London FA County Cup at Rowley Lane, though they might have hoped for a mudbath to slow the Gunners' international studded team's passing game. Instead they relied on another battling performance and exited the competition after a 2-0 defeat with heads held high. County Cup action too for the Under 16s who gained a 3-1 win at Writtle Minors to advance into the semi final of the competition which sees the winners enter the Tesco Cup. The Under 12s returned to action after an extended Christmas break successfully taking on older opposition when beating Leigh Celtic Under 13s with Klesha Darroux grabbing four in a 9-0 win and the Under 10s were also in winning action with Kelly Wealthall netting a hat trick in a 5-0 win over Writtle Minors.
16/01/11 HEAVY WORK: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies made heavy work of many of this weekends fixtures but given the rain that fell during the week were pleased the matches that were played beat the weather as fixtures start to pile up. The first team had what looked on paper to be a straight forward Essex County Cup tie with Brentwood Town, but with the Eastern Regional League side drawing level at 2-2 after Gemma Shepherd and Nina Downham had grabbed early goals it took a Becky Merritt strike on half time to send the Hammers into the break ahead. Sleeves were rolled up for the second spell and Jess Barling and Tracy Duxbury goals followed by a second for Nina Downham were the reward, leading to a 6-2 win and another fixture to squeeze in with semi final spot claimed. The reserves London Cup game at Arsenal was an early victim of the midweek rain and got called off, but the Under 19 Development side's fixture at home to Knaphill went ahead although they too made hard work of putting the game to bed emerging 2-1 winners thanks to Katie Bottom and Katie Taylor's goals in a scrappy affair. The Under 16s played out a see saw encounter with Southend Manor coming from behind twice to record a 3-3 draw although the single point does not help either sides title chances. The Under 14s were the side to make light work of what looked a tricky test coming out 3-0 winners in a top of the table clash with Senrab with Chelsea Martin grabbing two. The Under 10s had to endure a frustrating morning after travelling to Canvey before finding thier game was called off.
09/01/11 CUP RUNS: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies started a month of cup games by getting their FA Womens Cup run underway with a 4-1 second round victory over South East Combination side Norwich City. Gemma Shepherd scored twice with Jonna Kykannen also on target alongside an own goal by the visitors as the Hammers made it through to the third round which will take place after they have also played their Essex County Cup match with Brentwood and the much postponed FA Womens Premier League Cup quarter final with Leicester City over the next few weeks. League action for the reserve team saw them almost snatch a shock result against Arsenal with a heroic defensive display and some outstanding goalkeeping from Kelly Cooper seeing them only go down by a single goal to the illustrious North London outfit at Flanders Fields. The Under 19 Development side went to the top of the Greater London Womens League Division One with Gemma Abela scoring both in a 2-0 win over bottom placed Brentford. The Under 14s also commenced a cup run with a 1-0 victory over Little Thurrock Dynamos taking them into the semi final of the Essex FA County Cup whilst the Under 10s reutrned to league competition with a 4-1 win at Ryan FC. The post match views of manager Julia Setford from the FA Cup second round win against Norwich City can be found via the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIKosp3Ti-Q
DECEMBER 2010 [2 May @ 6:24pm]
19/12/10 FACE OFF: WEEKEND ROUND UP
If West Ham United Ladies ever want to settle their FA Womens Premier League Cup quarter final tie with Leicester City it looks as if they will have to don skates and get out the sticks and puck as snow and ice caused the game to be postponed for the fourth week running. The sides will now need a fifth attempt with January 2nd looking the likely date. There was no action for any of the clubs other sides with the reserves spared the long trip to Wales after a Friday pitch inspection called off their match with Cardiff City and the Under 19s, Under 14s and Under 10s all seeing their matches fall victim to Saturday's heavy snowfall.
12/12/10 SOAP OPERA: WEEKEND ROUND UP
In the week that saw the 50th anniversary of Coronation Street, West Ham United Ladies kept their own long running soap opera going as their attempts to play Leicester City in the FA Womens Premier League Cup were sent to a fourth week as overnight frost curtailled the Hammers as they were set to depart up the M1 and saw the quarter final tie postponed for the third time. Despite warmer weather down south the reserves were frustrated by a lack of opposition as their league game with Arsenal was called off due to the Gunners having to play a League Cup fixture and with efforts to secure a friendly failing they had to settle for a training game with the under 16s who had also found themselves fixtureless. There was some action though as the Under 19 Development side secured a 4-0 victory aganst Enfield Town Reserves in a league encounter at May and Baker to keep up the pressure on the league leaders. Gemma Abela and Rea Laudat supplied the goals with two a piece. The Under 14s comfortably passed through into the next round of their league cup with a 10-0 win over Hoddesdon Owls. Alas the Under 12s and Under 10s also found themselves without a game.
05/12/10 NO BALL GAMES: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies suffered another week of frustration as despite blue skies and warmer temperatures all the clubs fixtures were postponed for the second week running. The Saturday thaw did not arrive early enough to save the matches with all games called off by Saturday night as pitches were either still covered in frozen snow or ice or where they had melted had become waterlogged. The first teams FA Womens Premier League Cup quarter final with Leicester City will now be played next Sunday whilst the other postponed matches from this week will be rearranged for later in the season.
NOVEMBER 2010 [2 May @ 6:23pm]
28/11/10 SUNDAY PAPERS: WEEKEND ROUND UP
The freezing weather caused all West Ham United Ladies fixtures this weekend to be postponed with pitch inspections confirming the expected news of frozen pitches. First to be called off on Saturday morning was the first teams FA Womens Premier League Cup quarter final at Leicester City which will now be played next Sunday with the other cancellations following at regular intervals through the day and early Sunday as the freezing weather took hold overnight. So with a blank day there was little to do but settle down on the sofa wth the papers, coffee and the Sunday afternoon film on TV thinking about that Christmas shopping that really needs doing soon.
21/11/10 TURNING THE SCREW: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies turned the screw on their rivals at the top of FA Womens Premier League table with a thumping 4-0 victory over Colchester United. Gemma Shepherd, Rosey Sullivan, Nina Downham and Tracey Duxbury weighed in with the goals as the Hammers took full advantage of the nearest rivals macthes being postponed to go six points clear at the top. Less joy for the reserve team who despite a strong line up slipped to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of fellow strugglers Reading. The Under 19 side were in cup action and comfortably advanced to the semi final of the London FA Junior Cup with a 4-0 win over lower league side Katabella. League action for the Under 16s saw them overcome a host of injuries to win 2-1 at LTD Foxes and remain top of the table whilst the Under 14s also remain in top spot after a 3-0 home win over Hutton. In search of a more competitive fixture the Under 10s took on Tigers Under 11s and competed well against the older opposition to gain a high scoring 5-5 draw. Pride of place though goes to the Under 12s who wrapped up their league fxitures with a 12-2 win over Ashingdon Youth and in so doing claimed the Essex County Girls League title with four goals for Grace Hill and hat tricks for Lotte Wubben-Moy and Teagan Heard helping them to the points they needed to secure the silverware.
14/11/10 VITAL POINTS: WEEKEND ROUND UP
Vital points were won and lost by the West Ham United Ladies sides in action this weekend although the overnight rain left the first team with no game in which to win points as their game at Gllingham was postponed. The reserve team played out a thriller with Bristol where Leigh Houlihan gave the side an early lead before Bristol struck back twice before the break. Clare Rogers restored parity just after half time and both sides had chances to retake the lead before with just five minutes remaining Bristol forced the winner to deny the Hammers a vital and deserved point. The Under 19 Development side picked up three crucial points to beat KIKK United and displace them from the top of table after coming back from two goals down to win 3-2, however in a tight league Kent Magpies win took them top and keeps the Hammers in second place. Comprehensive wins for the junior sides saw them pick up crucial points in their quest for league titles with the Under 16s hitting ten without replay against Chelmsford City including five for Ella Potter and four for Megan Lewis. The Under 14s also took over at the top of the table by beating previous leaders Tigers 5-1 whilst the Under 12s moved to within one victory of the title with a 13-0 win over Assandun Vikings. Finally the Under 10s picked up another three points to maintain their 100% league record with a 3-0 win over Leigh Ramblers with Beau Parker amongst the goals.
07/11/10 SHOOTING YOURSELF IN THE FOOT: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies two senior sides both shot themselves in the foot in their attempts to secure the points in their respective FA Tesco Womens Premier League games this weekend. The first team gave themselves a proverbial mountain to climb when conceeding a three goal lead to vistors Brighton and Hove Albion inside fifteen minutes at Thurrock. Becky Merritt pulled a goal back before the break but Brighton extended their lead shortly after half time before Nina Downham scored the Hammers second. Another late Brighton goal seemed to have wrapped up the game but a late own goal and Emma Thomas's last minute defection gave the Hammers hope of rescuing a point in injury time but the equaliser did not come. The reserves found themselves two goals to the good against Charlton with Sinead Redford's thunderbolt late in the first half and Lauren White's seventieth minute free kick seeming to be guiding them to three points, but a late Charlton rally saw them reduce the arrears fifteen minutes from time and then equalise two minutes from the whistle. There was a more secure performance from the Under 19s Development side who beat Mauritius Sports 3-0 with April Bowers grabbing a brace and Lucy Wyatt also scoring. The Under 16s beat Little Thurrock Foxes 4-1 in a friendly with two goals from Megan Lewis whilst the Under 12s were the only other junior side in action and made no mistake in dispatching Little Thurrock Diamonds 13-2 with four goals for Klesha Darroux and a hat trick for Eleanor Landen. The post match views of Julia Setford after the first team high scoring game with Brighton can be found via the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzwQ9T5JHCc
OCTOBER 2010 [2 May @ 6:20pm]
31/10/10 TIGHT SQUEEZE: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies were involved in some tight squeezes this weekend with a number of the games played by the clubs sides seeing very close affairs settled by the narrowest of margins. A late winner from Nina Downham sent the first team into the quarter finals of the FA Womens Premier League Cup after a 2-1 victory over National League side Reading. Downham struck in the 89th minute as the game appeared to be heading into extra time. Emma Thomas had opened the scoring for the Hammers on eleven minutes before Reading replied twenty minutes later. Suitably for Halloween the game had a ghost goal as the Hammers survived a Reading effort that the referee ruled to have hit the crossbar and post amidst the visitors claims it had bounced in and out of the goal via the net stanchion. A tight affair for the reserve team as well with an outstanding defensive display securing them the points with a 1-0 win against Cardiff City after Emma Harrison had applied a finishing touch to the scramble that followed Lauren Whites corner. The Under 19 Development side went down 3-1 to Kent Magpies despite Lucy Wyatt hitting the net to swap second and third places with each other in the table. The Under 14s also edged a close game converting a late penalty to record a 2-1 victory over Senrab, whilst the Under 12s had a more comfortable afternoon with Lotte Wubben-Moy notching a hat trick in their 6-0 win over Tigers.
Highlights of the first teams win over Reading can be found via the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWvj1JAA2ac
The postmatch views of first team manager Julia Setford can be found via:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXARs1cIbP0
24/10/10 HARVEST TIME: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies first team travelled deep into the farm land of the West Country to take on Keynsham Town in a top of the table clash between the two unbeaten sides in the FA Womens Premier League and both left the game with their records intact as the Hammers harvested a point from a goalless draw to leave them six points clear at the top of the table. Gemma Shepherd did have the ball in the net but it was ruled out for offside. Back in the city, the reserves gained a 3-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers in an encouraging performance with Lauren White grabbing two and Leigh Houlihan heading home a third. A bumper crop of goals for the Under 19s who fired in a dozen in their 12-1 windfall romp over Tower Hamlets to go second in the league with game in hand over the leaders with Jo Gigg getting a hat trick and braces for Rea Laudat, April Bowers and Katie Bottom. The Under 16s farmed a 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur and the Under 12s gained a pleasing 2-0 victory over Writtle to take over top spot in their league whilst the Under 10s and Under 14s had a week off for the Autumn half term break.
The views of manager Julia Setford after the first teams draw at Keynsham Town can be found via the link below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KOWudaPBPI
17/10/10 TOMTOM SHOWS THE WAY: WEEKEND ROUND UP
Two first half goals from Emma Thomas were enough to earn West Ham United Ladies first team the points in their FA Womens Premier League South clash with Yeovil Town. The win stretched the Hammers lead at the top table to six points. The reserves did not play due to opponents Arsenal being on County Cup duty but there was another win for the Under 19s who continued their climb up the table with a 4-2 win over Brentford - Rea Laudat, Katie Bottom, Leanne Baldwin and Jo Gigg all getting on the scoresheet. The Under 16s went down 2-1 to Teviot Rangers in a friendly fixture whilst there were resounding league wins for the other junior sides who all piled up double digit victories. The Under 14s won 15-0 at Redbridge, Chelsea Martin bagging five of the goals along with hat tricks for Sarah Wilson and Victoria Chincharo. The Under 12s won 12-2 at home to Ashingdon Youth with a hat trick for Grace Hill, whilst the Under 10s won 18-1 at home to Ryan FC with five for Beau Parker and four goals a peice for Kelly Wealthall and Megan Magee.
The views of Julia Setford after the first teams victory can be found via the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Hc4J5jY5dU
10/10/10 CLEAR AT THE TOP: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies went three points clear at the top of the FA Tesco Womens Premier League South after a 4-1 win over Cardiff at Thurrock. Gemma Shepherd and Emma Thomas set the Hammers on their way with first half goals with Shepherd adding two more to complete her hat trick after the break before Cardiff scored a late consolation. A depleted reserve team faced a tough test against league leaders Chelsea and went down 5-1 at Flanders Fields whilst the Under 19s were also at home and ended all square at one a peice with Luton Town. A Dannielle Roberston hat trick saw the Under 16s come back from two down to win 4-2 against Cambridge City whilst the Under 14s won a tight encounter with LTD Doves 1-0. The Under 12s set off early for a trip to Assandun Vikings which ended 1-1 whilst the Under 10s racked up the goals in a 12-0 win at Island Girls with Mia Seeley grabbing a hat trick.
Highlights of the first teams win over Cardiff can be found via the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPzxdxZ59PA
The post match views of manager Julia Setford can be found via the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SRzcwHscYo
03/10/10 AWAYDAY SPECIAL: WEEKEND ROUND UP
In a bizarre turn of fate from the fixture schedule not a single West Ham United Ladies side was at home this weekend although the Reserve and Under 19 sides had aborted trips when waking to the news that their fixtures had been postponed due their respective hosts having waterlogged pitches. The first team had reason to be thankful Colchester United's ground passed a 10 am inspection as they turned in a magnificent second half performance to overcome a host of injuries and emerge 3-1 winners with Becky Merritt, Carly Roache and Jo Wosahlo from the spot providing the goals to give the win required to almost guarantee qualification from their group into the knockout stages of the FA Womens Premier League Cup - with only a very heavy defeat for Barnet at Queens Park Rangers able to deny the Hammers a place in round two. The Under 16s travelled to Southend Manor and fought out a 1-1 draw in difficult conditions during the afternoon although the other junior sides took advantage of the early starts before the rain set in again to pile in the goals.The Under 14s won 8-1 at Hutton and the Under 12s matched that without conceeding in their 8-0 win at Little Thurrock Dynamos whilst the Under 10s won 6-1 at Great Danes.
SEPTEMBER 2010 [2 May @ 6:17pm]
26/09/10 INJURY TIME HOODOO: WEEKEND ROUND UP
Not for the first time this season West Ham United Ladies lost a lead late into injury time to a hotly disputed goal and were replaced at the top of the FA Womens Premier League Southern Division table on goal difference after a 1-1 draw with Charlton Athletic. Nina Downham had put the Hammers ahead but a failure to extend the lead was punished in the 96th minute when Charlton were awarded a penalty which saw keeper Toni Anne Wayne recieve a red card before the visitors duly dispatched the kick to level the game up. The reserve team were equally out of luck as they saw keeper Kelly Cooper carried off in just the second minute and quickly fell two behind to Colchester United in the League Cup before Emily Masters pulled a goal back on 30 minutes. A second half onslaught from the Hammers found a post, a crossbar and a disallowed goal but no equaliser before Colchester added a third in the final minute. The Under 19s continued their winning streak with a 6-0 demolition of Enfield Town Reserves with Lucy Wyatt and Gemma Abela both grabbing two goals a piece. The Under 16s opened their league programme with 6-0 win over Ockendon Rhinos with four goals from Dannielle Robertson but the Under 14s league opener saw them beaten 3-1 by Tigers. The Under 12s grabbed their first three points of the season with a 3-1 win over Tigers whilst the Under 10s also met Tigers and a hat trick from Megan Magee helped them to a 7-1 victory.
Highlights of the first team's draw with Charlton along with the post match views of manager Julia Setford can be found via the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m01QdBgBNSw
19/09/10 WE ARE SAILING: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies first team travelled down to take on Portsmouth and returned victorious with the three points earned placing them on top of the FA Premier Womens League Southern Division. The win was far from plain sailing in an open end to end game, but Gemma Shepherd’s header shortly after the restart was enough to earn the victory. The reserves finished strongly against the reserve team of Super League Bristol but had left themselves too much to do having let in two within five minutes of each other half way through both halves. Lauren White, direct from a corner, and a twenty five yarder from Zoe Marshall saw a late revival in the 4-2 loss. London Cup action for the under 19s saw them progress into the quarter finals with Jo Gigg’s goals helping them to a 2-0 win over Battersea Ironsides. The Under 16s completed their pre season programme with a 4-0 win over LTD Foxes with Megan Lewis and Dannielle Robertson both grabbing two a piece and the Under 12s got their league campaign underway but went down 2-1 in a close game with Writtle Minors.
12/09/10 ALL TO DO HEADING FOR THE LAST: WEEKEND ROUND UP
A solitary first half goal saw West Ham United Ladies first team slip to defeat against Barnet in the second of their FA Womens Premier League Cup group matches - a result that leaves it all do for the Hammers going into the final game, where only a win against Colchester United will be enough to secure qualification into the knockout stage. There was a sense of deja vu for the reserve team after again relinquishing a first half lead. Sinead Redford's fourteenth minute goal was wiped away, after injuries took their toll, leaving hosts Charlton Athletic 3-1 victors. The Under 19s got their points tally off and running with a comprehensive 5-0 win over Tower Hamlets, Jo Gigg scoring twice. Tournament action for the junior sides saw the Under 14s beaten in the semi final at the Peace Cup Tournament in Paddington whilst the Under 12s came third playing up an age group in the Trinity Tournament in Southend where the Under 10s also appeared and managed to win the Under 11 event.
The views of first team manager Julia Setford on todays game can be found via the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-99Pc0u9JKs
05/09/10 MIXED BAG: WEEKEND ROUND UP
There was a mixed bag of results this weekend for West Ham United Ladies when for the first time this season all the sides were in action. The first team continued their winning start to the FA Womens Premier League Southern Division with a 1-0 win against Queens Park Rangers at Thurrock. Having been pegged back by a last gasp equaliser last week against the same opposition in the League Cup, the Hammers were in no mood to surrender the advantage they held from Nina Downham's third minute strike and a resolute performance saw them claim the points. The reserves appeared to be heading for a similar win with Emily Master's first half goal looking to be guiding them to victory against Watford, but Jemma Beard's 88th minute red card saw the resulting free kick fired home and the visitors then went on to snatch an injury time winner to leave the Hammers with nothing to show for a battling performance. The Under 19 side got their first taste of competitive action with several players making their debut in senior football but went down 4-0 to Hemel Hempstead Town. There was a goal fest for the Under 16s as they hit a dozen in a 12-0 win over Crystal Palace with a hat trick for Megan Lewis. The Under 14s travelled up to Norfolk and beat hosts Dereham Wanderers 8-1. A busy weekend for the Under 12s who went down 1-3 to Crystal Palace A and beat Crystal Palace B 1-0 in a series of mini football games on Saturday before heading to the Essex Royal Tournament on Sunday. The Under 10s took part in Tottenham's mini tournament on Saturday where they picked up the Under 10s title and put in excellent performances in their matches against older Under 11 sides.
Highlights of Sundays victory over QPR along with the post match views of manager Julia Setford and skipper Nat Grafton can be found via the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17BzHC-yGAI
AUGUST 2010 [2 May @ 6:00pm]
29/08/10 HAND OF GOD: WEEKEND ROUND UP
A bitterly contested last minute equaliser saw West Ham United Ladies pegged back in their opening group game in the FA Womens Premier League Cup. With the early stages of this years competition being held in Champions League style groups the Hammers travelled to Queens Park Rangers and took the lead in the second half through Becky Merritt. Having fielded all their substitutes the Hammers had to play the closing stages with ten players after Jo Woodgates departed with a suspected disclocated shoulder but looked to have done enough to earn the points until Rangers grabbed an equaliser three minutes into injury time amidst vehement claims from the Hammers that it had struck a hand. The reserve team concluded their pre season programme with a 2-0 victory over Millwall at Flanders Fields. A magnifcent strike from Kayleigh Xidhas sent the Hammers into the break a goal to the good and Emma Harrison notched a second on 83 minutes. There was plenty of action for the junior sides with the Under 14s travelling to Oxfordshire on Saturday afternoon where they beat Banbury Unted 3-1. Twenty four hours later the Under 16s recorded a 5-1 victory over Portsmouth whilst the Under 12s went down 5-0 to a more experienced Queens Park Rangers side.
22/08/10 FLYING OUT THE TRAPS: WEEKEND ROUND UP West Ham United Ladies wasted no time in getting their first three points of the season with an opening day win against Colchester United in the FA Womens Premier League South. A goalless first half had echoes of last season when the sides played out two draws without a goal in their league meetings, but two second half goals from Tracey Duxbury gave the Hammers a 2-0 victory although the clean sheet was hard earned with Toni Anne Wayne saving the visitors 61st minute penalty. The reserves are still two weeks away from their league opener and took on ambitious Gillingham in a friendly game where a very tight encounter ended in a 0 -0 draw. The Under 16s were the other Hammers side in action and travelled across to West London but went down 5-2 to Queens Park Rangers.
Highlights of the first team's victory over Colchester United can be seen via the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpS0X-nCM10
15/08/10 SUPER SEVEN SETS UP SEASON: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies completed their pre season programme with a comfortable 7-0 victory against Southampton Saints as a final preparation for next weekends opening FA Womens Premier League South fixture. There were two goals a piece for Nina Downham and Gemma Shepherd with Carly Roache, Emma Thomas and Tracey Duxbury also getting in on the scoring act as the Hammers, two up at half time, stretched away from their South Coast visitors in the second spell. The reserves still have two more weeks of friendly fixtures before their league campaign gets underway but kept up their winning pre season record with a workmanlike 3-1 victory over Eastern Region League side C&K Basildon with Jo Wosahlo, Danica Revell and Sinead Redford all finding the net.
Highlights of the first team victory over Southampton can be found via the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOsxhQ84Pyc
08/08/10 WORK IN PROGRESS: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies had a day of mixed fortunes showing there is still work to be done as their pre season programme continued despite a long list of players unavailable due to holidays. The first team, with six players out, battled valiantly against National Division Watford at Thurrock, but two first half strikes for the visitors and a further goal in the second spell sent them to a 3-0 defeat. A youthful reserve team, featuring six players under 18, came back from conceeding an early goal to win 5-1 against Eastern Regional League side Brentwood Town with Lucy Wyatt notching a hat trick to go with a Maddie Thomas strike and Leigh Houlihan's header. The Under 16s travelled up the M11 to take on Cambridge City but went down 4-1 whilst the Under 10s went goal crazy as Carson Barry hit a hat trick in a 11-1 victory over Woodham Radars.
Highlights of the first team game with Watford can be viewed via the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3R-yfiMur7g
01/08/10 UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies reserve team faced up to the challenge of South East Combination side Cambridge on the back pitch at Thurrock and emerged two one victors thanks to strikes in either half from Holly Griffin before a late consolation for the visitors. The Under 16s travelled up the A12 to Great Yarmouth to play out a 1-1 draw with Bohemians whilst the Under 14s met touring side M.P.S at Beckton in a game that also ended up level at a goal piece.
JULY 2010 [2 May @ 5:55pm]
25/07/10 EXPERIMENTAL HAMMERS: WEEKEND ROUND UP
With injuries and holidays a plenty an experimental West Ham United Ladies side took the field for the pre season friendly at Thurrock against Tottenham. Despite many players slotting into unaccustomed positions and the side featuring two young debutants, they were still able to emerge with a 2-1 victory with Zoe Marshall's 70th minute goal proving the winner after Spurs had levelled Nina Downham's fifth minute strike shortly after the break. The Under 14s were also in winning action, entertaining Lincoln City at Beckton as part of their short tour of London and gaining a 2-1 victory.
First team match highlights can be found via:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvm4pWItt7Q
and post match reaction from Mark Southgate and Nat Grafton can be found at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eCHL_yBc5w
18/07/10 HIGH FIVES: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies continued their pre season preparations with a visit to the Ebbsfleet United 5 A Side Tournament and emerged with the silverware after the two Hammers teams entered met in an exciting final that saw the A team win by the odd goal in nine. The reserves opened their pre season campaign with 3-0 victory at Billericay Town with goals form Lauren White, Emma Harrison and Amy Cooley ensuring an encouraging start. The Under 16s were also in 5 a side action taking the runners up spot at the Leigh Rockets Tournament following a penalty shoot out defeat in the final against the host side. Meanwhile the Under 10 and Under 14 squads were on show at the Dagenham Town show, where they presented a showpeice training session in the main arena with the Community Sports Trust.
11/07/10 WARMING UP: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies began their pre season warm up fixtures with a 5-1 victory over South West Combination League side Plymouth Argyle on a scorching afternoon at Chadwell Heath. Becky Merritt gave the Hammers an early lead which was doubled by Carly Roache's deflected long range effort before the visitors pulled a goal back shortly before the half time break. However further goals from Holly Griffin, Kayleigh Xidhas and a second from Becky Merritt wrapped up the game. The Under 10 side were also in action earning the runners up spot in the Tiptree mini football Tournament. F
irst Team Manager Julia Setford's thoughts on the opening game can be found here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MreYBRF5qPc
JUNE 2010 [1 May @ 10:00pm]
21/06/10 SUMMER TOURNAMENT SUCCESS
West Ham United Ladies were in action at two Summer Tournaments over the weekend reaching three finals and lifting one title. The seniors headed over to Watford Ladies Six A Side event and having eased through a qualifying group in the morning they required a penalty shoot out to get past hosts Watford in the quarter final before dispatching Barnet in the semi final to set up a final with Ditton FC which saw the Hammers take the title with a 1-0 victory. In the afternoon the Under 16s also reached the final, topping their group and gaining a hard fought single goal victory over Charlton Athletic in the semi final before a 2-1 extra time final defeat to a side representing Garston. The Under 10s sent two young sides (pictured) to Trinity FCs five a side tournament in Southend and with the two meeting in the group stages only one could porgress to the final, which saw the Hammers Blues lose out on penalties to a more experienced Leigh Ramblers side.
17/06/10 NEW FIRST TEAM MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE
West Ham United Ladies will start the new FA Tesco Women’s Premier League Southern Division campaign with a new first team manager as Julia Setford steps up from her Assistant Manager role into the position relinquished by Tony Marshall, who will be taking on a more strategic role as Director of Football, trying to further develop the club’s growth and profile both from a football and commercial standpoint working closely with West Ham United Football Club and also the club’s academies in the USA. Marshall has lead the club through the most successful period in their history and established them as one of the leading sides in the division so Setford, who in eight seasons with the club has made over 150 first team appearances, will be taking charge of a squad aiming to press on from their top five finishes in each of the last three seasons and secure promotion to the National Division. Explaining the switch, Marshall stated, “It was always the long term plan for Julia to step up as we have now established ourselves as a top level side within the Southern Division. Our commitment to progressing as a club has been highlighted by the creation of two new sides in the last two seasons at senior levels which along with our current sides at Under 10, 12, 14 and the UK Tesco Cup Championship winning under 16's, means our future has never looked brighter with a real pathway to senior football. The Under 19's finished in a credible mid-table position playing in a senior league with a side made up of predominantly 16 and 17 year olds and we now have the exiting prospect of having established a real West Ham United Ladies Academy in partnership with Havering Sixth Form College which starts in Sept 2010 where we will have 20 girls training and playing daily in conjunction with their post 16 A level and B Tec further education. In addition the West Ham United FC USA Academy run by Mike Kelleher, which has involvement from the Head of the WHUFC Academy, Tony Carr and Paul Heffer, is well under way and provides us with another strong partnership with the main club. We have already had player exchanges and are working towards further pathways for our players to achieve academic scholarships. It has been a privilege working with the girls since taking over the Under 12's in 2002 but the club has now grown to such a size that along with my own international business commitments my talents are better served working with our parent club and pushing for our real aim of playing in the National division and making sure we are on a sound footing from an infrastructure perspective. I will be working closely with Julia and the club committee to implement some key initiatives and continue to raise the profile of the Women’s set-up.” Setford was quick to praise the work of her predecessor, “I'd like to thank Tony for all of the good work that he has done for the team and club. I worked as Tony's number two last season where I gained invaluable knowledge of the job and hope that this will make my transition to first team manager as seamless as possible and I will continue to encourage good habits, discipline and above all attractive football. I am excited by this new opportunity and look forward to working with the squad and through hard work, dedication and commitment move forward as a team to achieve our dreams and make West Ham Ladies Football Club an exciting place to be both on and off of the field.”
17/06/10 FA WOMENS PREMIER LEAGUE CONSTITUTION 2010/2011
The FA Womens Premier League AGM was held on June 13th where plans were finalised for the 2010/2011 season. With the Womens Super League causing changes to the league membership, some rule changes were required and for the 2010/2011 season Premier League sides will only be permitted to field one player per game who is signed to a Super League team. However Super League reserve teams are being allowed to compete alongside their Premier League conterparts in the reserve divisions. Promotion and relgation issues have also seen a change with the bottom two National Division teams at the end of the 2010/11 campaign to be relegated while the top two from each of the Northern and Southern Divisions will all go up. Only the last-placed team in each of these two divisions will be automatically demoted, with sides finishing bottom-but-one facing a play-off for their Premier League survival. In addition to the standard four winners of the Combination Leagues coming up, the runners-up will have the chance to take part in the play-offs. Second-placed sides in the South East and South West will meet in a one-off game, likewise those from the Midland and Northern Combinations. The winners in these games will then take on the second-bottom sides from the Northern and Southern Divisions with the winners taking the last berth in the Premier league for the following season thus giving three divisions of ten teams. The FA Tesco Premier League Cup, will be played in regionalised groups with teams meeting once. The top two from each group will go througha long with the two best third-placed teams to a knockout stage. Premier League constitution 2010/11: National Division - Barnet, Blackburn Rovers, Leeds, Millwall Lionesses, Nottingham Forest, Reading, Sunderland, Watford. Northern Division - Aston Villa, Coventry City, Curzon Ashton, Derby County, Leeds City Vixens, Leicester City WFC, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Preston North End, Rochdale. Southern Division - Brighton & Hove Albion, Cardiff City, Charlton Athletic, Colchester United, Gillingham, Keynsham Town, Portsmouth, Queens Park Rangers, West Ham United, Yeovil Town.
12/06/10 PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS
West Ham United Ladies celebrated the end of another successful season with a trophy laden presentation night at East Ham Working Mens Club last night attended by over 300 players and guests with central defender Rosey Sullivan lifting both the managers player of the year and players player of the year trophies.
MAY 2010 [9 Jun @ 6:56am]
23/05/10 SUNDAY ROAST: WEEKEND ROUND UP
In a season of rain, snow, ice and more snow it was somehow fitting that the last round of matches took place under a roasting sun with the club's four junior sides all in action in their respective Essex County Girls League Cup finals. First up were the Under 10s who made sure of the league and cup double by beating Snaresbrook 9-0 in their final with Grace Hill grabbing four of the goals. With the temperatures rising the Under 12s took on Leigh Ramblers and after a thrilling game emerged 4-2 winners with Shellie Sumpter on target twice. Only mad dogs and Englishmen should go out in the midday sun but the Under 16s fresh from victoriously representing England last week in the Tesco Cup, were next to step out onto the oven like pitch and swept to a 9-0 win over Colchester Town to add the cup to their impressive trophy haul for the season with a Dannielle Robertson hat trick helping them on their way. The closest game was the Under 14s who just missed out in a see saw game with Wirttle Minors that saw the Hammers come back from a goal down to lead 2-1 before two late goals ended their cup dreams.
18/05/10 HAMMERS LOOK AHEAD
West Ham are already looking ahead to next season, hoping to push on from fifth place in the FA Tesco Premier League Southern Division. First team manager, Tony Marshall is aiming at going for the title. “We suffered from too many draws this year – especially early on in the season. Nina Downham arrived after we had already drawn seven games and her instinct around the box could have turned a good few of those into three pointers.” Marshall feels if he can add few more experienced players to his squad, then the jigsaw will be complete, “We have had a strong emphasis on youth and that is still our view of the way forward but it is no secret that I would like a couple of older heads out there, to bring the youngsters through.” In true West Ham tradition there is certainly a conveyer belt of talent waiting to join the senior sides, with the clubs Under-16s (pictured) lifting the UK Home International Tesco Cup at the weekend, at Bolton Wanderers' Reebok Stadium. The young Hammers represented England after lifting the National title a week earlier at Pride Park, and after a dramatic semi final penalty shoot out win over Wales (represented by Cardiff City), they came from a goal down to win the final against Scotland (Hibernian) 2-1, to claim the title. Under-16s manager, Jim Maycock was naturally very proud of the squad, "The girls have worked so hard all season and today has been their reward. Even at a goal down to a very good Scottish team, we stuck to our principles of playing the ball on the floor and waiting for the openings and eventually the chances came. The side will have memories from today, that I hope they will keep for many a year."
16/05/10 WERE WINNING FOR ENGLAND: WEEKEND ROUND UP
Having won the English National Tesco Cup at Pride Park last week West Ham United Ladies Under 16s headed for Bolton Wanderers Reebok Stadium to represent England in the UK Final.. Playing in a specially designed England kit provided by Tescos the Hammers took on Cardiff City representing Wales in the semi final and with the game still goallless after extra time the side were forced to the take part in Englands nemesis of a penalty shoot out, but Lauren Picton saved two of the Welsh efforts and with another hitting the bar the Hammers were through. Hibernians of Scotland provided the opposition in the final and the Hammers fell behind to a tenth minute goal but on the stroke of half time Dannielle Robertson's superb strike pulled the teams level and five minutes from time she repeated the trick to give them the lead which some heroic defending in the dying stages maintained and saw them collect the trophy from former England international and sometime rap artist John Barnes! Back down South the first team played their final league fixture of the season but went down 1-0 to runners up Reading at Little Heath. The Under 19s also played their final league game and won 2-0 against Tring. At Flanders the Under 14s secured second spot in the league with a 2-1 win over Little Thurrock Dynamos to go with a 6-1 win over Hutton twenty four hours earlier. The Under 10s took on an older Cougars side and went down 2-1 in a friendly.
14/05/10 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
West Ham United Ladies Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 25th May 2010 at the Sir Trevor Brooking Suite inside Upton Park. (Entrance via Hotel reception in Green Street). The meeting will start at 8.00 p.m.
12/05/10 NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies showed the strength in depth of their senior squads by putting out both a first and reserve team for away league fixtures on the same evening and coming back to the East end with two victories. The first team ventured South to take on Crystal Palace where goals from Holly Griffin and Jess Barling secured a 2-1 victory. The reserves headed out to Hanwell Town in West London to take on North London side Barnet where first half goals from Claire Rogers and Emma Harrison earned a 2-0 win helped by Helena Brodie's second half penalty save.
09/05/10 THREE LIONS ON THEIR SHIRTS: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies will have the honour of representing England at the UK Tesco Cup final at Bolton's Reebok Stadium next week after the Under 16s lifted the English National title at Derby County's Pride Park. A magnificent performance from the squad saw them beat Manchester City 1-0 in the semi final and then take the title with a 3-0 win over Cambridge City in the final. Lauren PIcton and Dannielle Robertson were awarded goalkeeper and forward of the tournament repsectively, whilst the overall player of the tournament award went to Shadai Miller. Back down South the Hammers first team were in league action with a 2-2 draw against Portsmouth where Tracy Duxbury scored a second half equaliser in a game in which both sides were seeking to gain three points from in their persuit of second place. The Under 14s romped to a 13-0 win over Brentwood Town whilst 24 hours earlier the Under 12s had also gone on a goal rush putting eight past Tigers without reply.
3/05/10 PRESENTATION NIGHT 2009-2010
West Ham United Ladies end of season presentation night will be held, once again, at East Ham Working Mens Club on Friday 11th June 2010. Ticket order forms will be available via team managers from this week onwards and are also available in the club documents section of this site. Players get free admission to the event, but guests are charged at £5 for adults and £2.50 for children (under 16). Guests will be strictly limited to a maximum of three per player. The event is always a sell out so ensure ticket orders are put in as early as possible - the event will be likely to have sold out by the end of May.
2/05/10 UNDERWATER PALACE: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies face an end of season fixture pile up after their FA Tesco Womens Premier League game at Crystal Palace was called off due to overnight rain leaving puddles on the Whyteleafe FC pitch. The Hammers still have four games to play to complete their league programme and will hope for better luck at Barnet on Thursday evening. Meanwhile across London the junior pitches back at Flanders Fields provided near perfect playing conditions with the rain stopping shortly before kcik off and allowing the Under 16s to complete their league programme with a 100% record after beating second place RSA Basildon 4-2. The Under 10s also completed their league programme, beating LOASS 3-0 to maintain their unbeaten record. The Under 14s travelled to North Wales to take part in a weekend seven a side tournament which saw them take third place, but there were no games for the reserve team, Under 19s or Under 12s.
APRIL 2010 [9 Jun @ 6:49am]
25/04/10 COMEBACK AFTER THE BREAK: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies proved football really is a game of two halves with the first team coming back after a frustrating first half to ease to a 4-1 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Tesco Womens Premier League South. After missing a host of chances the Hammers found themselves a goal down at the break but kept their nerve in front of goal in the second spell with Gemma Shepherd scoring twice and Carly Roache and Becky Merritt both finding the net to turn the game around. The Under 16s recorded a four nil win over Hutton in a shortened game due to a lack of numbers in the opposition line up. Whilst for the Under 14s it was a game of two matches rather than two halves as they played Chelmsford City in a double header winning 1-0 and 4-0. The under 10s extended their long unbeaten run with 1-0 win over Snaresbrook in a rehearsal of their cup final in May.
18/04/10 ROLLERCOASTER: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies had a rollercoaster weekend with ups and downs across the clubs sides under welcomed blue skies. Top of the ride were the Under 16s who battled through five matches in Saturdays heat to win the South England Regional Final of the Tesco Cup without conceeding a goal and with it earn a place in the national final at Derby County's Pride Park in May. A one nil reverse at Charlton Athletic for the first team in the FA Tesco Womens Premier League South brought the club back down to earth with the side not able to build on a promising first half before losing the points to disputed second half goal. It was back to the top of the ride with the Under 10s who capped a terrific first league season by capturing the Essex Girls League London Division title with two games to spare after a 4-0 wn over Tigers, but the rollercoaster day continued when the Under 14s went down 2-1 to Writtle Minors to all but put pay to their title hopes. Back on the level the Under 19s earned a battling draw with league leaders Tooting and Mitcham having had to play with depleted numbers with half the squad on a college trip to Malta.
11/04/10 DOUBLE HEADED HAMMERS: WEEKEND ROUND UP
Despite neither the first team nor reserves having fixtures this weekend West Ham United Ladies sought to catch up on their fixture pile up with double headers and Saturday games the order of the day. The double header brought a league title the Hammers way as the Under 16s secured the Essex County Girls Division A Championship with back to back wins over Assandun Vikings - a 2-0 victory in the first game and a tense 2-1 win in the second, as the Vikings worked hard to delay the Hammers title charge, landing the silverware. With the May and Baker ground unavailable the Under 19s reverted to Flanders where they shared six goals in a 3-3 draw with Luton Town. A short trip up the road, the Under 12s squeezed past Redbridge by the odd goal in five, where the Under 14s had won more comfortably 4-0 just twenty four hours earlier.
05/04/10 NO BALL GAMES : EASTER ROUND UP
There was an absence of action for West Ham United Ladies this weekend with only the Under 19 side able to play. The first teams FA Tesco Womens Premier League South game with Reading was called off on Saturday with the Thurrock pitch not coping with the heavy rain through the week. The reserve teams final league game, also with Reading, which was originally scehduled for Sunday was switched to this coming Thursday earlier in the week , whilst the Under 10s, 12s and 14s were given Easter weekend off. The Under 16s received a walkover win when Hutton were unable to raise a side. The Under 19s had more luck and not only got to play, but their match on Easter Monday took place inside the 12000 capacity Griffin Park stadium as they beat Brentford Women 1-0 as part of the Brentford FCs Ladies Day, with Lucy Wyatt providing the goal.
MARCH 2010 [9 Jun @ 6:45am]
28/03/10 HAMMERS OFF TO HOSPITAL: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies will be travelling en masse to Runwell Hospital in May - the venue for the Essex County Girls League Cup Finals - after all four junior teams won their respective League Cup semi finals in a succesful weekend for the club. The first team kept up with the pace setters at the top end of the table with a 3-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers in their FA Tesco Womens Premier League South clash, Nina Downham scoring in the first half and Gemma Shepherd hitting a second half double, including a penalty, to secure the points. The reserves also bagged three points by the same scoreline with two goals from Dani Hoy and a Sarah White header giving them a three goal lead before Reading pulled a goal back late on, but there was less joy for the Under 19s who lost to a single goal from the penalty spot at Westfield. It was League Cup semi final day for the juniors which kicked off early as the Under 16s coped with the switch to summer time without ill effect and won 6-1 at Little Thurrock, with Zoe Lipley Hinton and Danni Robertson both bagging a brace. The Under 14s also met Little Thurrock Dynamos and came through a tight encounter by the odd goal in five. The Under 12s had less trouble dispatching Colchester Villa 11-1 with Jaidene Browne grabbing six of the goals, whilst the Under 10s made sure all the sides would be present on finals day at Runwell with a 4-2 victory over Tigers. Highlights of West Ham United Ladies 3-1 win at Queens Park Rangers along with the views of manager Tony Marshall feature on the FA website. To view click on the link below.
http://www.thefa.com/Leagues/WomensPremierLeague/NewsAndFeatures/2010/qpr-westham-290310
21/03/10 OFF TO TESCOS: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies are off to Tesco's after the Under 16s were crowned Essex FA County Cup winners courtesy of a 5-1 victory against Little Thurrock Dynamos today. Goals from Shadai Miller, Leigh Houlihan, Zoe Lipley-Hinton and a double from Danni Robertson saw the Hammers land the trophy in its inaugural year and with it entry as Essex FA's representatives in the Southern England Regional Finals of the prestigous Tesco Cup in April. The Under 14s were also hoping to join them but were thwarted at the final hurdle going down 2-1 to Writtle Minors in their County Cup Final. There was league action for the senior sides to concentrate on with the first team being held to a 1-1 draw by Keynsham Town at Thurrock in an FA Tesco Womens Premier League South game with Nina Downham scoring for the Hammers. The reserves edged out Reading in a ding dong game coming back to level twice through Sarah White and Fran Tye before Jo Wosahlo popped up with a winner. The Under 19s also landed three points with a 4-1 victory over Enfield Town. Twenty four hours earlier the Under 12s had cruised to a 11-0 win in a friendly game with Intersports whilst the Under 10s went through to the semi final of the League Cup with a 1-0 extra time win at Writtle Minors.
14/03/10 WISH YOU WERE HERE: WEEKEND ROUND UP
With Spring finally breaking West Ham United Ladies two senior sides had the frustration of no fixtures as scheduled opponents Barnet headed up to Southport for their FA Cup semi final clash with Everton. With both the North Londoners first and reserve team squads making the trip to the northern seaside town it left the Hammers with no opposition. Two of the junior sides also found themselves high and dry with the Under 14s and Under 12s also not in action. There were contrasting fortunes for the sides who did play however, with the Under 16s also making a trip to the seaside and they found life a beach as they romped to a 14-1 victory at Clacton Athletic with Gemma Abela's hat trick leading the scoring. The Under 10s kept up their momentum with a 2-0 win at home to Snaresbrook but their was no joy for the Under 19s who went down 2-1 to high flying Surbiton Town in their Greater London Womens League encounter.
07/03/10 NO PLANS FOR FINALS DAY: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies senior sides bowed out of their last chance of cup glory for this season with defeats for both the first team and Under 19s as the club was finally able to return to a full weekend of action after weeks of postponments. The first team faced Colchester United in an Essex FA County Cup semi final, but two early goals for the visitors gave the Hammers a tough task to turn the game around, and despite applying more pressure in the second spell they could not find a breakthrough. The Under 19s were in action in the John Greenacre Memorial Trophy - named after the clubs founder for his additonal work with the Greater London Womens League - but with the scores level at two a piece at full time, they conceeded twice to K.I.K.K United in the extra thirty minutes to exit at the third round stage. There may be cup joy for the juniors however, with all four sides still invovled in their respective cup campaigns but the attention was on league maters today and whilst the Under 16s sat out with no fixture this week, the Under 14s won 5-1 at Hawkwell Athletic, the Under 12s comprehensively beat Springfield 10-0 with four goals for Ocean Lewis and a hat trick for Jaidene Browne, and the Under 10s continued their impressive debut season with a 4-0 win over Tigers.
FEBRUARY 2010 [8 Jun @ 10:00pm]
28/02/10 HAMMERS MAGIC CARPET: WEEKEND ROUND UP
Once again West Ham United Ladies fixture programme was severely disrupted by the weather and as last week only one side managed to take to the field, courtesy of the all weather carpet pitch at Beckton, where the Under 16s took full advantage of the perfect surface to win their League Cup quarter final with Assandun Vikings 9-1 in a confident performance. For the other sides there was frustration as the weather won the day with the first team once again foiled in their attempts to play their Essex FA County Cup semi final with Colchester United despite a switch of venue. The reserves, Under 19s and Under 12s all had their league fixtures cancelled by Saturday evening and the Under 10s will have to rearrange their League Cup tie which also fell foul to the rain.
21/02/10 GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL: WEEKEND ROUND UP
With weather conditions this weekend more suitable for the Glastonbury Festival than football it was unsuprising that many of West Ham United Ladies planned fixtures were postponed. Despite surrendering home advantage and switching venues in an attempt to find a playable surface, the first team still failed to play their Essex FA County Cup Semi Final with Colchester United whose Shrub End training ground failed a morning pitch inspection. The reserves were not due to play and the Under 19s, 14s and 12s all found out their pitches would not be fit on Friday evening and Saturday morning. Hopes were high for the Under 16s at the usually weather proof Flanders Fields but the Sunday morning deluge curtailed their League Cup tie leaving the Under 10s as the only side able to play and they braved the elements to win a muddy encounter against Leyton Orient Advanced Soccer School by three goals to two.
14/02/10 HAMMERS GO HAWAIIAN: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies eased into the semi final of the Essex FA County Cup with a FIVE O victory over Eastern Region side Barking on a heavy Thurrock pitch. Jess Barling, Nina Downham, Zoe Marshall and Holly Griffin made the tie safe inside the first forty five minutes and a Gemma Shepherd goal in the second half rounded off the scoring to set up a semi final with Colchester United. The reserves joined the Under 14 and Under 16 sides on the touchlines due to not having fixtures because of opposition withdrawals whilst the Under 19s played out a goalless draw at Tring Athletic. There were wins for the two youngest teams with the Under 12s overcoming Leigh Ramblers 2-1 at Flanders and the Under 10s winning their league cup encounter with Hutton Five O.
11/02/10 DANCING ON ICE: MIDWEEK ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies put in a determined performance against a international-studded Arsenal side but bowed out of the London FA Womens Cup after a 2-0 defeat on a snow covered pitch at Thurrock. Both sides took a while to settle on the unusual surface which was only made playable after the snow was swept away to allow the pitch markings to be seen. However, Arsenal were soon moving the ball around with the style expected from a side containing such illustrious names as Rachel Yankey and Katie Chapman, and it was the former who opened the scoring on ten minutes when a burst of pace took her away from the Hammers back line as she ran onto a through ball and calmly tucked the ball inside the post. There was no danger though of the goal breaking the Hammers resolve and for the next eighty minutes they kept their shape and discipline to make it hard for Arsenal to make a further break through. Whilst the Hammers were not able to make too many clear cut chances of their own their confidence grew throughout the game and having soaked up a lot of pressure in the first half the second period saw them have more possession and build some pressure of their own. The game was not made safe by the visitors until the last minute when the lively Danielle Carter found space in the box and slipped the ball to her left for Bruton to convert. Despite the defeat the game has showed the progress made by Tony Marshall's young side over the season, who proved spirited opposition for the leading lights in the British womens game.
9/02/10 HAVERING COLLEGE AND WEST HAM UNITED TEAM UP TO LAUNCH LADIES ACADEMY
Teenage girls with a passion for football are being given a unique opportunity to join West Ham United Ladies Academy (WHLA) with an exciting new partnership between Havering Sixth Form College, West Ham United Football Club and the Community Sports Trust. Girls in Year 11 who will be transferring to sixth form education this year are invited to attend an information evening with their parents to find out more about the WHLA and the opportunities on offer. The evening will be held at the College in Wingletye Lane, Hornchurch, on Monday, February 22, at 6.45pm where college staff and West Ham United representatives will be on hand to answer any questions. The Academy, for girls aged 16 to 19, will start in September 2010. It will be based at the College and will enable talented footballers to have an unrivalled educational package as well as access to professional football instruction by West Ham coaches – with the chance to play in the prestigious National Colleges Football League against teams like Arsenal and Chelsea. The WHLA students will be able to choose from a comprehensive range of vocational qualifications and more than 26 A Levels run at Havering Sixth Form College, while being coached at the highest level for four days a week – all worked into a special timetable for them. College Team Leader for Sport, Leisure and Tourism, Ian Budge, said: “Our mission is to create a successful and developmental Academy. We want to improve participation rates in women’s football, develop those already involved and to ultimately provide a sustainable development pathway. “Along with all the benefits of such a wide-ranging educational package, the students will also be able to gain additional qualifications in coaching, refereeing and gym instruction. To be able to play in the National Colleges Football League, which is the highest level of inter-college football in the UK, would obviously also be a huge benefit for the Academy students.” The WHLA is being supported by Havering Council, Essex County FA and a variety of local businesses. It will provide the borough and the Thames Gateway with its first Ladies FA Football Development College. Kate Holmes, Women’s and Girls Development Officer at West Ham United Community Sports Trust said: “Havering Sixth Form College and West Ham United can deliver an unrivalled educational package combined with elite football coaching. The development of players, coaches and officials is paramount to our academy vision, ultimately with graduates feeding back into the system, thus leading to a sustainable future for the women’s game.” It is hoped the WHLA will provide places for around 20 girls.
7/02/10 THRILLER: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies bowed out of this years FA Women's Cup after a thrilling and pulsating fifth round tie with Barnet at Thurrock. Behind to an early Barnet goal the Hammers battled back with a powerful left footed drive from Nina Downham pulling them level with fifteen minutes remaining after the visitors were reduced to ten players following Kate Holmes dismissal . But it was in extra time when the drama reached fever pitch as late in the first period Barnet again took the lead from a powerful close range header but with just three minutes remaining the Hammers levelled again when Nina Downham flicked a header over the advancing keeper. However straight from kick off, before the hosts had managed to get control of the ball again, Barnet forced a corner and after two goalline clearances finally stabbed the ball over the line to retake the lead. The drama had not finished as deep into injury time the Hammers were awarded a penalty which Becky Merritt bravely stepped up to take, but despite sending the keeper the wrong way, her effort to take the tie to a shoot out struck the upright and the cup run was over. The reserves were without a game again this weekend with opponents Reading again unable to raise a side, but the Under 19s were in action and bounced back from their own cup exit last week with a 5-0 win at Brentford. There was cup success in the junior ranks however as the Under 16s cruised into the Essex FA County Cup final with a 9-0 semi final victory over Writtle Minors, helped by Zoe Lipley-Hinton's five goal haul. Also into the County Cup final are the Under 14s who beat Chelmsford City 6-0 in their semi final tie. The Under 12s were edged out 2-1 by Little Thurrock Dynamos in a crucial league decider and will now rely on other results in their title quest. The Under 10s were 2-0 victors against Snaresbrook.
JANUARY 2010 [9 Jun @ 6:36am]
31/01/10 CUP OF CONCRETE: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United must wait another week to cement a quarter final place in this years FA Womens Cup sponsored by E-on after a late pitch inspection halted their fifth round tie with Barnet. Under FA rules the decision could only be made by the matchday official and despite a slightly warmer and sunny morning, upon his arrival at midday the pitch was still as solid as concrete and the match therefore postponed until next week. Bizzarely the Reserves, Under 19s and Under 16s all had their matches called off but not because of the state of the pitches as Reading reserves, Tower Hamlets Ladies and Aveley Under 16s all struggled and failed to raise enough players to fulfill their respective fixtures. At a suprisingly soft Flanders Field the Under 12s and Under 14s were able to play, both coming through their League Cup quarter finals, with the Under 12s beating Tigers 3-1 and the Under 14s overcoming Redbridge 6-0. The Under 10s were not so fortunate travelling to Hutton before finding out the freeze had taken its toll on their pitch and travelled back home without playing.
24/01/10 MAGIC OF THE CUP: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies sampled the magic of the FA Cup with a fantastic 2-1 victory at Bristol - the first time the club have knocked out Premier League National opponents - to earn a place in the last sixteen where they will now face league rivals Barnet. Two first half headers from Nina Downham gave the Hammers the advantage and they were able to withstand a late barrage from Bristol to claim their passage into the fifth round. Meanwhile the reserves faced a stern test, taking on high flying Arsenal and went down 8-1 at Flanders Fields. The Under 19s were also in cup action but their London Junior Cup campaign ended in disappointing fashion with a single goal defeat to Newham. The Under 16s turned in an impressive display of passing football to win their London Cup tie with Parkwood Rangers 7-0, helped by a Danni Robertson hat trick whilst the Under 14s made progress in the Essex County Cup winning 4-2 at a muddy Hutton. Back in league action the Under 12s went down for the first time this season losing 4-2 at Tigers with the Under 10s held to a 1-1 draw by the same opponents.
17/01/10 PLASTIC COBWEBS: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies took advantage of the indoor facilties and plastic pitch at the David Beckham Academy to blow away the cobwebs of the weather extended Christmas break with a hasitly arranged friendly against Ebbsfleet United after the fourth round Fa Cup tie with Bristol was postponed for the second week running. With the Hamers having not seen action since December 13th there was a bit of ring rustiness to lose in a 1-1 draw with Kayleigh Xidhas scoring the goal. Miraculous work by the groundstaff back at Flanders saw the welcome sight of football once more being played on grass, where the reserve team also found it hard to snap back into action falling two goals behind to Bristol, before an inspired comeback started with a Sarah White goal and two solo runs and rasping shots from Dani Hoy sealed a terrific 3-2 win. On the adjacent pitch the Under 16s showed no ill effects of the break and rattled in the goals against Mark Hall Girls with a 13-0 victory taking them into the County Cup semi final. Earlier the Under 10s, who up to now have been playing, friendlies got their competitive league campaign off to a encouraging start with a 3-1 victory over LOASS.
10/01/10 WHITE OUT: WEEKEND ROUND UP
The big freeze continued to play havoc with West Ham United Ladies fixture programme and as expected no games took place this weekend as all venues across the country were under inches of the white stuff. From the first team game out at Bristol right across to the other side of England with the Under 12s at Leigh-on-Sea, not a hope of play was possible with no sign of thaw. The Hammers will now try to play their FA Cup 4th round clash with Bristol next Sunday with the fifth round due the week after.
DECEMBER 2009 [9 Jun @ 6:31am]
20/12/09 HOLIDAY ON ICE: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies faced a total white out this weekend as every game fell victim to the arctic weather. With the snowfalls in the latter part of the week seemingly falling at their heaviest on all the venues of the Hammers matches the only hope of a game was the Under 19s fixture with Tower Hamlets, but despite no snow falling on the Isle of Dogs sub zero overnight tempertures made the pitch more suitable for Torvill and Dean than football and the game joined all the others on the postponed list.
13/12/09 BACK IN THE GROOVE: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies slotted straight back into the groove after the enforced lay off from the rain with the first team putting themselves into the fourth round draw of the FA Womens Cup after overcoming fellow FA Tesco Premier League South side Charlton Athletic 3-0. Goals from Gemma Shepherd, Tracey Duxbury and Carly Roache ensured the Hammers safe passage through the third round tie. The Hammers were quickly into their rhythm no doubt aided by some of the nimble footwork and shape throwing seen on the dance floor at Friday's Christmas party. The reserve team reaquainted themsleves with the back of the net as a Sarah White hat trick helped them to a 5-1 win over Millwall Lionesses at Flanders Fields whilst the Under 19s rocked league leaders Kent Magpies with a 2-1 victory to continue their climb up the table. The Under 16s lost out in a pulsating London FA Cup tie going down 2-0 to Tottenham Hotspur whilst the Under 14s made light work of their League Cup encounter with Chelmsford City winning 6-0. Frustratingly after wekes of rain the Under 12s were left fixtureless after their opponents pulled out of the league cup and the Under 10s also found themsleves without opponents.
6/12/09 UP THE LOFT: WEEKEND ROUND UP
Once again only one West Ham United Ladies side managed to beat the weather and play a game this weekend with the Under 10s the lucky team to get some football under their belts beating Hornchurch based Tigers 6-1. For the other six sides there was the frustration of sitting at home under blue skies as the overnight deluge had made pitches both home and away unplayable, giving the sides yet another week off and leaving no room for excuses for not getting up in the loft and bringing down the Chirstmas Tree. So "deck the halls" and lets hope it stops raining in time for next week or some of us might have to start doing the Christmas shopping as well!
NOVEMBER 2009 [9 Jun @ 6:27am]
29/11/09 HAIL THE SIXTEENS: WEEKEND ROUND UP
The heavy overnight rain caused the postponement of all bar one of the games for West Ham United Ladies sides this weekend, with the Under 16s the only side to beat the elements. Despite horrendous weather and a break for a thunderous hailstorm, they were able to play their London FA Youth Cup tie at Long Lane FC thanks to the efforts of the Long Lane staff and volunteers to get the pitch playable with the Hammers putting on a magnifcent display of controlled passing football to emerge 8-1 winners.
22/11/09 A FITTING TRIBUTE: WEEKEND ROUND UP
A year ago today West Ham United Ladies were in mourning having woken to the news that John Greenacre, the founder and driving force behind the club, had lost his battle with cancer and passed away. The club's sides could not have provided a more fitting tribute than they did today in winning all seven of their matches to show the strength of John's legacy. In a very exciting tussle at Thurrock the first team overcame both the elements and a battling Cardiff side to win 3-2. Gemma Shepherd put the Hammers in front early on and a Becky Merritt header put the hosts in control midway through the half. A penalty five minutes into the second half saw Cardiff City halve the deficit before Clare Rogers fired home to restore the two goal lead. A goal for the visitors with fifteen minutes to go set up a tense finish with the Hammers withstanding late Welsh pressure to take the points. The reserves got a measure of their progress with a 6-1 victory over Colchester United in a friendly game against their rivals from last season prior to the Hammers promotion, helped by braces from Dani Hoy and Holly Griffin. The under 19s won through to the next round of the London FA Junior Cup with a 7-0 win against Islington Borough whilst the Under 16s won their Essex FA County Cup fixture at Basildon by the same scoreline. The Under 14s were also in County Cup action and won 1-0 against Barking. Back in the league there were also 7-0 wins for both the Under 12s against Colchester Villa and the Under 10s at Barking to round off the fitting tribute to a man we owe so much.
15/11/09 ROAD TO WEMBLEY: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies saw only one fixture beat this week's Autumn monsoon with the Under 12s battling both the mud and their opponents to emerge 2-1 victors against Little Thurrock Dynamos. With most matches already called off on the Saturday morning many of the junior players were still able to get some football action this weekend, albeit as spectators, as they travelled to Wembley Stadium to watch England Under 21s beat Portugal, using the clubs Charter Standard ticket allocation for the game.
8/11/09 RISING DAMP: WEEKEND ROUND UP
On a day that could be best described as "a bit damp" West Ham United Ladies first team were frustrated to find their top of the table clash with Barnet called off due to an unfit pitch at Barnet's Hanwell Town ground. Not far down the road at Cobham the reserve team faced high flying Chelsea but found the going as heavy as the West London turf and went down 8-1. A little to the north, the Under 19s continued their resurgence with a 5-2 win at Hemel Hempstead Town helped by a double strike from Maddie Thomas. Back in the drier East End the Under 16s continued to set the pace in their league with a 13-1 win against Writtle with Dannielle Robertson and Faye Cook both hitting hat tricks whilst the Under 12s had a 3-0 victory over Tigers. Earlier in the day the Under 10s had a 2-0 success against LOASS.
1/11/09 HALLOWEEN HAMMERS HOUSE OF HORRORS: WEEKEND ROUND UP
Halloween weekend brought a cruel turn of events for West Ham United Ladies as the first team suffered their first loss of the league campaign in what spookily was their thirteenth match. Carly Roache's goal was not enough to stop the teams turning round with opponents Fulham 2-1 up and the Hammers were unable to turn the game around in the second period. The reserve team fell foul to the Autumn gales which saw their fixture at Reading called off in the morning but there was better news for the Under 19s who notched their first league victory against Manford Way with a Lucy Wyatt hat trick helping them to a 4-0 scoreline and earning the groundsman a round of thanks for ensuring the pitch passed a late inspection. No pitch troubles for the juniors at Flanders Fields magnificent surfaces where the Under 16s rounded off a busy half term break having beaten Bohemians 4-0 in a terrific performance on Friday afternoon in Ipswich they needed a more battling display to overcome a determined AFC Wimbledon side by 2-1. The Under 14s saw off a spirited Brentwood Town side 4-2 in a a league fixture whilst the Under 10s battled back from two down to earn a 2-2 draw with Tottenham. The Under 12s ended with no game after a late withdrawal from Tottenham.
OCTOBER 2009 [9 Jun @ 6:24am]
25/10/09 SHOPPING AT IKEA: WEEKEND ROUND UP
If you want drawers then best go to IKEA but for draws look no further than West Ham United Ladies as the first team were held to their seventh draw of the season at Brighton and Hove Albion. Carly Roache put the Hammers one up at the Withdean Stadium ten minutes before the break, but the home side replied late in the second half to share the points. The reserve team's League Cup campaign ended with a 3-0 reverse at Bristol Acadmey whilst the Under 19 side entertained top of the table Kent Magpies and went down 4-1. A reduced junior programme due to a shortage of opposition saw only two sides in action with the Under 14s coming back from a goal down to snatch a late 2-1 victory against Hawkwell Athletic and the Under 12s drawing 4-4 with Tottenham Hotspur.
18/10/09 THE RUN GOES ON: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies first team continued their unbeaten start to the FA Tesco Women's Premier League season, stretching their run to 11 games without defeat, after a goal less draw at third placed Portsmouth. The reserve team also found success, to pick up their first three point haul, care of a dramatic and spectacular Dani Hoy finish in the last minute to beat Barnet 2-1. However the Under 19s missed out by the odd goal in three at Luton Town. Emulating the first team, the Under 16s kept up their 100% league record with a 9-0 victory at Colchester Town where against the same opposition the Under 14s won 7-2. Back at Flanders Fields the Under 12s also had a 9-0 win against Springfield, whilst the Under 10s settled for eight without reply at Writtle.
11/10/09 HONEYPOT: WEEKEND ROUND UP
In the clash of the two remaining unbeaten teams in the FA Tesco Women's Premier League Southern Division, it was West Ham United Ladies who landed the honeypot against the Barnet Bees with a tremendous 2-0 victory. Zoe Marshall stung the Bees after just two minutes and the Hammers doubled the lead midway through the first half when Holly Griffin buzzed in to score. A disciplined second half performance saw the Hammers mantain their advantage and take the points and make it ten unbeaten. Earlier the reserves had travelled to take on Arsenal and battled well to contain their illustrious hosts finally going down 4-0. There was no match this week for the Under 19s but an emphatic win for the Under 16s who beat Clacton 11-1, Dannielle Robertson leading the goalrush with four. The Under 14s hit eight past Redbridge without reply with Chelsea Martin notching a hat trick, whilst the Under 12s had a hard fought 2-2 draw with Leigh Ramblers and the Under 10s put in an impressive performance to beat a strong L.O.A****.side 6-2.
4/10/09 LADIES AND GENTS: WEEKEND ROUND UP
With both the mens and ladies first teams taking on Fulham this afternoon it was the Ladies that struck the more decisive blow for East London with their 3-0 victory earning them three points whilst their male counterparts had to settle for a single point. The Hammers victory came courtesy of goals from new signing Becky Merritt with a second half strike completing her hat trick after she found the net twice in the first period. Less joy for the other senior sides though, with the reserve team travelling back down the M4 pointless after a 4-1 defeat at Bristol Academy and the Under 19s going down to a single goal against Westfield. There were more victories for the junior sides however with the Under 16s winning 3-0 at Basildon, the Under 12s winning by the same scoreline at home to Redbridge and the Under 10s hitting seven past Tigers on the adjoining pitch, although the Under 14s went down by the odd goal in three at Writtle Minors.
SEPTEMBER 2009 [8 Jun @ 9:07pm]
30/09/09 STALEMATE: MIDWEEK ROUND UP
For the second time this season West Ham United Ladies first team were frustrated by the stubborn resistance of the Colchester United defence as tonight's FA Tesco Premier League South fixture ended in goal less stalemate. As with the away match earlier in the season the Hammers were not able to take advantage of some guilt edged chances that came their way, but the draw does extend their unbeaten run to eight games.
27/09/09 SEVEN UP: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies first team stretched their unbeaten start to the FA Tesco Womens Premier League South to seven matches with a 3-1 victory at home to Charlton Athletic. After a cagey opening fifteen minutes the Hammers took control of the game with Zoe Marshall firing in having arrived late in the box. A lofted strike from Gemma Shepherd doubled the advantage before Holly Griffin lobbed a third. Charlton replied shortly before half time but the Hammers comfortably saw out the second period with no further goals at either end. The reserve team were in League Cup action - advancing to the second round with a 1-0 victory over Barnet. Jo Wosahlo grabbed the goal in the second half. The Under 19 side gained their second point of their London and South East Regional League season with 2-2 draw at Surbiton Town. Only two junior sides were in action with the Under 16s and Under 12s both without games after late cancellations from their opponents. The Under 14s were held to a 3-3 draw by Little Thurrock Dynamos whilst five goals from Grace Hill helped the Under 10s to a 10-0 victory against Hawkwell Athletic.
20/09/09 ROYAL FLUSH: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies senior sides pulled off a royal flush with their results this weekend gaining a win, a draw and a loss in their three matches. The first team took on the Reading Royals and two goals from Holly Griffin and one from Gemma Shepherd gave them a 3-1 win to stretch their unbeaten start to the FA Tesco Premier League South to six matches. The loss was suffered by the reserve team who having led two one at half time saw a late Watford fightback cause them to slip to defeat by the odd goal in five. The Under 19s completed the three card trick with a 1-1 draw aganst Enfield Town to open their points tally for the season at the third attempt. The junior sides saw their competitive season in the Essex County Girls League get underway and the Under 16s flew out the traps with an 11-1 win over Writtle Minors, Gemma Abela helping her self to four goals along with a hat trick from April Bowers. The Under 12s also found the net early in a 9-0 win at Colchester Villa with hat tricks for Charlie Devlin and Jaidene Browne. Meanwhile the Under 14s received a walkover as their opponents could not raise a side, whilst the Under 10s went down 1-0 in a friendly with Snaresbrook.
13/09/09 PAYING THE PENALTY: WEEKEND ROUND UP
Having produced an enthralling two hours of football in which they never stopped running and harrying the National Premier League leaders, West Ham United Ladies bowed out of the FA Womens Premier League Cup following a penalty shoot out drama at Thurrock. Making a mockery of the league placings, the Hammers pushed Millwall all the way and had several good chances to clinch the tie with ex-Hammer Claire Lacey producing a stunning one handed save to tip away Zoe Marshall's twenty five yard effort in extra time that looked to be sending the Hammers into the second round draw, but with Milwall firing home four of their spot kicks as the game ended in stalemate, the Hammers went out as they saw two efforts hit the bar and post. The reserve team were in league action - also against Millwall - but despite Kelly Randall's goal, returned from South London pointless as the hosts replied with two of their own. It was the same story for the Under 19 squad who lost to Hemel Hempstead Town by the odd goal in three. There was success for the juniors though in their final week of pre season fixtures before the opening round of league matches next weekend, with the Under 14 squad following up Saturday's success at the Trinity FC tournament with a 6-0 win against Hawkwell Athletic helped by a Mollie Rose hat trick. The Under 12s also won, beating Tigers 3-0 whilst the Under 16s travelled across the Thames to take on an older Kent Magpies side and fought back from two down to share the spoils care of a last minute equaliser.
8/09/09 BOSS HAPPY WITH HAMMERS START
West Ham United Ladies first team manager Tony Marshall has been pleased with his sides unbeaten start to the FA Tesco Womens Premier League South campaign after the Hammers finally gained their first three point haul with a win against Crystal Palace on Sunday to follow up the succession of draws in their opening four games. "We felt we had been unlucky in most of those games and that the elusive win was only round the corner and that proved to be the case with a terrific performance against Crystal Palace. We try to play our football the traditonal West Ham way and our passing and movement has been first class, we just needed that little bit of luck that had deserted us to go our way, as I felt in at least three of the draws we deserved the three points. With the win though confidence is high, we are five unbeaten and feel we can match anyone in the league when we get the ball on the deck." The Hammers will however be on the look out for a new regular first team goalkeeper after last season's imcumbent custodian Paris Smith recently took on a new position in the police force that leaves her unavailable for the Hammers full campaign. "Paris had a great season last year but this gives us an opportuntity to bring in someone new and we are scouring around to find someone who fits the bill, although we have several promising young keepers in our new development team who will be itching to show what they can do." added Marshall who also felt his squad would benefit from more firepower upfront. "We have been creating the chances, so as any manger will tell you the goals will come, it's when you not making the chances you worry, but I would be lying if I said I was not on the look out for an experienced striker to help finish off some of the flowing football we are producing."
6/09/09 DUCK FINALLY BROKEN: WEEKEND ROUND UP
After four successive draws to open their campaign West Ham United Ladies first team finally broke their duck and picked up all three points with a stylish win over Crystal Palace at Thurrock. Two goals from Gemma Shepherd were backed up with a Zoe Marshall penalty and further strikes from Tracey Duxbury and Kayleigh Xidhas. The reserves opened their league campaign in the top division after last seasons's promotion with a tough task against reigning champions Chelsea and went down 5-1. The Under 19s also started their league campaign on the wrong end of a defeat as they travelled to Tooting and Mitcham and suffered a 3-1 reverse. Good news from the juniors though as they continued pre season preaprations. The Under 16s travelled to Newmarket to take on Cambridge City and won 4-0 with two stunning goals from April Bowers capping an impressive team display. The Under 12s found their goal touch with 10-3 win over Tigers and the Under 10s performed magnificently at Tottenham's festival with a win over the hosts and draws with Peterborough United and Crystal Palace Under 11s giving them third place in the six team tournament with only the Under 11 teams ahead of them.
2/09/09 CAN YOU GUESS WHAT IT IS YET? MIDWEEK ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies first team seem to be as prolific at drawing as Rolf Harris after a goal less encounter against Colchester United at a wet Wivenhoe Town FC saw the Hammers record their fourth successive draw from their opening four FA Tesco Premier League South fixtures. The Hammers will now hope to secure their first maximum point haul against Crystal Palace on Sunday. Meanwhile the Under 19s had their preparations for Sunday's opening London & South East Regional League fixture disrupted when their planned midweek match with Tottenham Hotspur's reserves was called off. The game had been hastily arranged to replace last Sunday's game at Hemel Hempstead Town which was also postponed when the hosts found themsleves short of players.
AUGUST 2009 [8 Jun @ 5:55pm]
30/08/09 SNOOKERED BY THE TWO BALL: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies were well and truly snookered by the two ball when they travelled across the Severn Bridge to take on Cardiff Ladies in an FA Tesco Womens Premier League South fixture. Despite goals from Gemma Shepherd and Kayleigh Xidhas twice giving the Hammers the lead they were only able to claim a point with Cardiff's second equaliser coming amidst Hammers confusion as two balls appeared to be on the pitch at the same time. In the only other game for Hammers sides over the Bank Holiday weekend, the Under 16s, despite high unavailability due to holidays, travelled to Bedford to take on an impressive Luton Town side and went down 6-2.
26/08/09 FINE CRYSTAL DISPLAY: MIDWEEK ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies sent two junior teams down to South London to take on Crystal Palace, with both putting on fine displays on a murky wet evening. The Under 16s put in a magnificent passing display in the second half to win 6-1 with two stylish finishes from Gemma Abela the pick of the goals. Whilst the Under 12 side, playing their first ever eleven a side fixture looked set for victrory a until a late injury time goal for the second successive game pegged them back for a creditable draw.
23/08/09 QUEENS HONOURS LIST: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies took on Queens Park Rangers at both senior and junior levels this weekend with the honours very much shared. In the blistering heat, the first team fought out a 1-1 draw with the West Londoners at Thurrock in their FA Tesco Women's Premier League South fixture with Giselle Subryan grabbing an equaliser for the Hammers. The junior sides travelled over to the main QPR training ground near Heathrow and honours were again shared with a win, a draw and a loss. The win came courtesy of the Under 16s with Dannielle Robertson grabbing four in an 8-0 victory. The draw involved the Under 12s with QPR grabbing a last second equaliser to level at 1-1, whilst the Under 14s found the going tough in an 8-1 reverse. Earlier in the weekend the reserves and Under 19s both took on the touring Amercan side St Scholastica's College from Minnesota. The reserve team proved to strong for the students with Sarah White's hat trick helping secure an 8-2 win on Friday night at Loughton but the American's got their revenge 24 hours later with a 1-0 win against the Under 19s. Finally in a busy weekend the Hammers youngest squad, the Under 10s, returned from the Hawkwell pre season festival with a 100% record having won all four of their games.
16/08/09 WAY OUT WEST: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies kicked off their competitve season on the opening day of the FA Tesco Womens Premier League with a draw out in the West Country at Keynsham Town. Having raced into a two goal lead through Gemma Shepherd and Jess Barling the Hammers will feel disappointed not to have returned down the M4 with all three points after failing to convert further chances and then seeing their hosts peg them back. Back in the East End the reserves entertained KSV Jabbeke from the Belgium National League going down to a 5-3 defeat despite two second half goals from Sarah White and a wonder strike from Clare Rogers almost hauling the Hammers back from a 3-0 half time deficiet.
14/08/09 RESERVES SET FOR NEW HOME:
West Ham United Ladies reserve team will have a new home for the forthcoming FA Tesco Premier League South Division One Reserve League season after arrangements were finalised for the team to use Flanders Playing Fields in East Ham. The ground is already the base for the club's junior sides and following the building of the brand new Bobby Moore Pavilion offers changing and after match facilties in keeping with the sides status. Junior Secretary, Jim Maycock felt the switch will be beneficial for the whole club. "The reserves coming back to Flanders will give our junior sides the opportunity to see the standard of football they need to be aiming for in the next few years and help further bring the club together. We have a terrific relationship with the Bonnydowns Community Association who manage the site and thank them for allowing us to switch the reserves to Flanders at short notice. The pitches at Flanders are in my opinion some of the best in London and the new Bobby Moore Pavilion is simply awesome."
12/08/09 HAMMERS FALL TO GUNNERS DOUBLE: MIDWEEK ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies first team completed their pre season programme with a useful workout against Arsenal in a twighlight fixture at Queenswood School in Hertfordshire. The Hammers gave a good account of themselves depsite a 2-0 defeat and now have their sights firmly set on Sunday's opening FA Tesco Womens Premier League fixture at Keynsham Town.
09/08/09 NOT SO GRIM UP NORTH: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies two senior squads travelled up the A1 to take on FA Tesco Womens Premier League North side Sheffield Wednesday at Worksop Town FC on a sweltering afternoon amidst the rolling hills of north Nottinghamshire. The first team found their hosts in fine form and went down to a 4-2 defeat having rallied after going three down inside half an hour. A Jo Wosahlo penalty and a Holly Griffin strike provided the goals for the Hammers. Earlier the reserves had put in a fine first half performance with two goals from Kelly Randall to take control of their encounter with the Yorkshire side and despite some wilting legs in the heat the Hammers were able to see the game out with minimum fuss. Back in the balmy South, the Under 19 squad ventured to Basildon to take part in the Evolution tournament where three wins, a draw and a loss were sufficient for the team to take the runners up spot in open age division.
06/08/09 FRIENDS REUNITED: MIDWEEK ROUD UP
It was a case of friends reunited at the Marconi Leisure Centre tonight when West Ham United Ladies reserve team took on Chelmsford City who featured two former Hammers in their ranks in skipper Leanne Stubbings and Nicola Carty. Goals from Jo Wosahlo, Sarah White and Toni-Anne Wayne paved the way for a 3-1 victory for the Hammers with Carty celebrating the reunion by grabbing the hosts reply.
05/08/09 HAMMERS BOW OUT OF ARSENAL CUP
West Ham United Ladies juniors bowed out of the Arsenal Ladies Cup after a 1-0 defeat in their final group game stopped them advancing into the final round of matches. Despite the Hammers virtually camping in their opponents half for the second period they could not make a clear cut chance to find the equaliser that would have put them through. However manager Jim Maycock was delighted with the way the squad perfomed throughout the two day event. " We have throughly enjoyed testing ourselves at such a high quality event where every game we played was decided by a single goal. Thanks are due to Arsenal and XLTravel for inviting us to step in to the event as well as the players and parents for pulling out all the stops to ensure we could get a side together at short notice and compete so effectively."
04/08/09 NO TEA PARTY FOR JUNIORS AT ARSENAL CUP
West Ham United Ladies juniors put up a terrific display against top quality Amercian opposition on the opening day of Arsenal Ladies Cup. Stepping into the event at short notice the Hammers youngsters were given an indication of the stern test they faced when seeing both their opponents for todays games win their respective opening matches against Centre of Excellence sides. In the first of their hour long games West Ham came up against the Boston Renegades - riding high after a 2-1 win against hosts Arsenal. A determined Hammers side held out until five minutes from the end to lose by a single goal. With only a short break before their next game the Hammers had to dig deep into their stamina reserves when they took on the Boston Development team who themselves had dispatched Brighton 5-1 earlier. Once again the Hammers battled valiantly and playing further up the field drew a number of good saves from the American's keeper before once again being caught with a late goal. Given the quality of the opposition their was much to be pleased with in the performances and the Hammers move onto to a vital game tomorrow with London Women's FC to attempt to secure a place in the final round of matches.
02/08/09 FIRST CLASS HAMMERS FLY TO CHARTER SUCCESS: WEEKEND ROUND UP
A first class performance saw West Ham United Ladies first team squad on cloud nine as they piloted their way through the Essex FA Charter Standard Womens Tournament at Chelmsford. Negotiating their group without conceeding a goal, the Hammers beat Ipswich Town in the semi final before a 3-0 win against Chelmsford City in the final maintained their 100% record and secured the trophy. The reserve team played host to Brentwood Town at Flanders Fields and snatched a 4-3 victory courtesy of a late penalty in a topsy turvy game that saw the Hammers twice surrender the lead and then have to come back from 3-2 down. Finally, the newly formed Under 19 Development squad made their first foray into action, taking on a strong Camnrdige side and performing creditably despite a 4-2 defeat.
JULY 2009 [8 Jun @ 5:45pm]
29/07/09 ARSENAL TO VISIT IN LONDON CUP
West Ham United Ladies have been drawn at home to holders Arsenal in the second round of the London FA Womens Cup. Last season The Hammers used the competition for their reserve team and they put up a valiant performance against the Gunners in the quarter final despite a 3-0 scoreline knocking them out. This season's tie will take place on Sunday 17th January 2010, with the Hammers expected to again field their second string side. The competiton features less sides this year with the introducition of a London FA Junior Women's Cup which many of the sides that previously played in the preliminary rounds have switched to.
26/07/09 MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies travelled up to Shakespeare's birthplace to take on Birmingham City at Stratford Town FC in both a first team and reserve team fixture. Despite defeats for both sides it was certainly a case of "As You Like It" for first team manager Tony Marshall, with a highly encouraging perfomance from a depleted first team squad against top flight opposition. With three of last season's back four unavailable, the Hammers still competed well in a 2-0 defeat. Earlier the reserve team - again missing some regular players - went down 4-2 to the Blues second string with Dani Hoy and sixteen year old Maddie Thomas providing the goals.
19/07/09 HAMMERS QUICKLY OUT THE BLOCKS: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies were quickly out the blocks and into their stride as the senior sides opened their pre season fixture programmes with comfortable victories. Following on from good performances in tournament events over the last fortnight the Hammers had an early eye for goals with the first team, containing seven players of seventeen or under, helped by a Holly Griffin hat trick, notched an 8-0 victory against Old Actonians - who had kindly stepped in at the last moment to replace original opponents Dagenham and Redbridge. The reserve team settled for one less with a 7-0 win against Billericay Town - with last season's habitual goalscorers Dani Hoy and Sarah White both on target. There was also an early season start for the Under 12s who took on Senrab Under 13s but despite a spririted performance against their elders went down 4-2. The remaining junior sides featured at the Dagenham Town Show putting on an exhibition training display in the Sportszone as part of the Countdown 2012 event.
12/07/09 HAMMERS COMMAND THE FLEET: WEEKEND ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies were in command at the Ebbsfleet United Ladies and Girls Tournament today with trophy successes in two age groups and the open Ladies events. With both a first team and reserve team squad taking part in the open age Ladies event the Hammers were able to take the top two spots in the league competition with the first team notching a 100% record in winning all five of their games, only conceeding a single goal which came in their win against the reserve team squad. Earlier, in the morning age group events, the Hammers introduced their youngest ever side with the Under 10 squad making their competitive debut and performing creditably against more experienced opponents, notching their first vioctory in their final group game. The Under 12s squad also achieved a Hammers one two, as the two sides they entered met in the final of their event. The Under 14s also sent out two sidesfrom their squad, who met in the semi final, with the winners then going on to claim the trophy after a penalty shoot out final win.
JUNE 2009 [7 Jun @ 10:00pm]
24/06/09 FIRST TEAM UNVEIL MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE
West Ham United Ladies have unveiled their first team management structure for the 2009/2010 season as they look to press on from last season's highest ever third place finish in The FA Tesco Women's Premier League South. The Ladies Director of Football Tony Marshall wil continue to manage the side, once again assisted by Head Coach Alex Bonner with club stalwart Julia Setford promoted to Assistant First Team Manager and Tracey Duxbury completing the coaching set up as First Team Coach. On the pitch the side will be led by captain Carly Roache with Jess Barling undertaking the vice captain duties. Colin Roache will continue to admisnister the first team affairs. West Ham United Ladies First Team Management Structure: First Team Manager & Director of Football: Tony Marshall Head Coach: Alex Bonner Assistant First Team Manager: Julia Setford First Team Coach: Tracey Duxbury First Team Admistration: Colin Roache First Team Captain: Carly Roache First Team Vice-Captain: Jess Barling
20/06/09 HAMMERS REACH FINAL TO KICK OFF SUMMER TOURNAMENT PROGRAMME
West Ham United Ladies started their programme of summer tournaments with a first team squad putting in a highly encouraging perfomance at the Watford Ladies Invitation 6 A Side Tournament. Despite a high quality field the Hammers were able to battle through their qualifying group unbeaten and advance through the knockout stages to reach the final, taking the scalps of FA Womens Premier National Division sides Fulham and Watford along the way. The Hammers were eventually undone in the final by another top flight team when they went down 2-0 to a strong Birmingham City side. The West Ham squad for the event included a new face with Grace Moloney, an Irish Under 17 international, between the sticks joined out on the pitch by Jess Barling, Rosey Sullivan, Ruby Southgate, Alex Keown, Kate Holmes,Toni-Anne Wayne and Gemma Shepherd.
17/06/09 HAMMERS TV STARS JOIN IN FLANDERS CELEBRATIONS
West Ham United Ladies pre season Under 10 and Under 12 squads became TV stars today when a BBC London News crew arrived to cover the grand opening of the Bobby Moore Pavilion at Flanders Playing Fields. The girls were taking part in a training session and exhibition game as one of the many attractions at the fun day organised by the fields managing body, the Bonnydowns Community Association. Stephanie Moore, widow of West Ham United legend Bobby Moore was on hand to officially open the pavilion bearing her husband's name, with framed pictures of the West Ham United Ladies sides and the haul of silverware from last season proudly on permanent display inside. The early evening local news bulletin carried a full report of the days events with lots of footage of the girls in action and an interview with last years Under 11 top scorer Jaidene Browne.
14/06/09 RECORD NUMBERS FOR TRIALS IN THE SUN
Drinks bottles were the order of the day as West Ham United Ladies saw record numbers for their senior and junior open day and trials today on what turned out to be the hottest day of the year. In the morning over 120 girls were put through their paces at Flanders Playing Fields and nearly 60 players were present in the afternoon at Beckton for the Senior and Under 19 trials under a scorching sun. From the sessions players were selected to attend the Hammers pre season programme, from where the final playing squads for the 2009/2010 season will be selected.
07/06/09 SUN SHINES ON UPTON PARK FESTIVAL
Despite the torrential rain that fell through the early hours, the magnificent work of the Upton Park stadium staff allowed the West Ham United Ladies Festival to take place on a perfect playing surface with the sunshine appearing right on cue for the start of the Girls Tournament at nine thirty. Sixteen guest teams joined the Hammers junior squads for four and half hours of high quality girls football in the six a side event. All four age groups were very tight affairs with little separating the teams and the overall quality of play matching the Premiership surroundings. Eventual winners of the respective age groups were Crystal Palace in the Under 11 group. Tottenham Hotspur in the Under 12s, Writtle Minors at Under 14s and Canterbury City in the Under 16s event. The tournament was followed by exhibition matches between the squads of West Ham United and Lincoln City Ladies with the northerners gaining the honours in the first team match and the two sides sharing the spoils in the reserves battle.
06/06/09 PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2008/9 AWARDS
West Ham United Ladies celebrated the end of the most succesful season in their history with a trophy laden presentation night at East Ham Working Mens Club last night. With over 300 players and guests in attendance the awards were presented by West Ham United's Commercial Executive Jon O'Neil and Media Manager Paul Stringer, with the Ladies first team manager Tony Marshall comparing the evening.
MAY 2009 [20 Jun @ 10:00pm]
27/05/09 PARENTS GAME CANCELLED
We very much regret due to recently imposed time constraints during the Upton Park festival on Sunday 7th June it is no longer going to be possible to play the Parents v Coaching Staff fixture as originally planned. Full refunds will be given to all parents who had paid to take part in this match and can be collected from Jim Maycock at the presentation evening - no cheques presented have yet been cashed. It is hoped to rearrange the game at an alternative venue during the pre season as a free to play event.
18/05/09 CHAIRPERSONS REPORT
Julia Setford chair of West Ham United Ladies presented the following report at the clubs Annual General Meeting at Upton Park tonight. It was to my surprise and also great excitement to be asked to become Chairperson after so long with the club and I would like to thank the committee for all of their hard work and support in helping me through my first season and what a great season it has been - definitely the clubs most successful season in its history!. As you know the strategy of the club since the beginning of last season was to build on our fundamental strengths of branding (utilizing the West Ham United name) whilst continuing to improve and strengthen the clubs infrastructure at youth and senior level whilst not wavering from our ultimate goals of attaining a minimum of centre of excellence and/or academy status with our senior first team competing in the FA Womens National Division. I am pleased to say that on a number of fronts we have not only achieved our expectations but even surpassed them. With the support of the main club we now offer twice weekly training sessions to our junior section with the seniors having access to Chadwell Heath - surely the best facilities in the whole league. With the Flanders pavilion now open, we can boast a facility which is as good as any in Essex and with May and Baker and Thurrock F.C we again have not only good playing surfaces, but excellent facilities. The appointment by West Ham United of our senior player Katie Holmes as their Womens and Girls Development Officer can also only be a positive for the club The seniors have two pages in the match day programme every game, including player profiles and a weekly story on the official www.whufc.com website. Our playing and training kit is uniformally worn throughout the club with the seniors also being provided with official match day tracksuits. Again I must thank our sponsors Peter James for a mini bus which has been extensively used and completely invaluable. Well what a season league championships for the Under 11s, Under 14s and Under16s and the Under 12s being runners up. League cup finals for the U-11s and U-14s with the Under 16s emerging as winners of the London FA Youth Cup, Essex League Cup and South East of England Tesco Cup Champions. A first ever league title for the Reserves and an absolutely outstanding third place for the First Team in the FA Tesco Southern Premier and the Essex FA Womens County Cup. The quality of coaching and application from all of the players has been a true reflection of our progress and success this season. My thanks go to all of the managers, coaches, players and volunteers who have helped us achieve so much and lay the foundations of what I hope to be an even more impressive 2009/10 season. Lastly my biggest thanks go to West Ham United FC; Ben Illingworth for his vision and financial support, Eamon McDaid Head of Merchandising for our fantastic kit, Paul Heffer for his continued words of wisdom and support and Paul Stringer in the media department for his efforts in the match day programme and the WHUFC website. Lastly FITC CEO Mick King and Operations Manager Andy Scott, who enable us to use Beckton and continually push to raise our profile wherever possible. I would like to dedicate this season to John Greenacre and the hard work and memories he gave us and the club as without him we would not in fact be here today! I look forward to seeing you all at our presentation on the 5th June and at Upton Park on the 7th June to both celebrate our achievements and most importantly enjoy ourselves. Julia Setford Chairperson WHULFC 2008/09 Other reports are available in the Club Documents section of the site
17/05/09 HAMMERS CAP FINE SEASON WITH THREE MORE TROPHIES: WEEKEND RESULTS ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies capped the season off with three more trophies to cram into the trophy cabinet after the most successful campaign in their history. Andie Woodley's reserve team sealed the FA Womens Premier League Division Two South title with a 5-1 victory at home to Portsmouth, having only needed a point to secure the trophy entering the final round of matches. The junior sides were also on the trophy quest with the Under 11s lifting the Essex County Girls Football League Cup with a 4-0 win aginst valiant Division Two side Hutton to complete a League and Cup double. Drama of the day came in the Under 14s final where the Hammers recovered from conceeding a late equaliser from the penalty spot to win their League Cup final 2-1 after extra time against Ockendon to also secure the League and Cup double. The Under 16s were competing in the National Finals of the Tesco Cup at Leicester City's Walkers Stadium, but had to bow out at the semi final stage after a 2-0 defeat to an impressive Manchester United side.
15/05/09 RED DEVILS AWAIT FOR HAMMERS BIG WEEKEND
West Ham United Ladies are counting down to the final weekend of their competitve season with the four teams in action all competing for silverware. The reserve team play Portsmouth at the May and Baker Sports Ground looking to gain the point they need to seal the FA Women's Premier League Division Two South title. The Under 16s travel up to Leicester to play in the National Finals of the Tesco Cup where they will meet Manchester United Girls in the semi final on Sunday lunchtime. The Under 14s take on Ockendon Rhinos in the Essex County Girls Football League Cup Final at Maldon Town FC. Finally the Under 11s also travel to Maldon where they willmeet Hutton in their Essex County Girls Football League Cup Final.
13/05/09 RESERVES ALMOST OVER THE LINE
West Ham United Ladies Reserve team can put the champagne on ice after today's FA Women's Premier League ruling concerning their match with Keynsham Town. With their opponents unable to play on after the Hammers took a six goal lead inside the first half the match has now officially been awarded to West Ham with the score at the time the game stopped being given as the result. The decision means Andie Woodley's side are three points ahead of their nearest rivals, Reading, with both teams playing their final game on Sunday. As things stand West Ham have a fourteen goal advantage over the Berkshire team, so baring a high scoring loss for West Ham coupled with a hihg scoring win for Reading the Hammers second string will pick up their first league title.
11/05/09 SAM GETS GOLDEN BOOT
Congratulations to West Ham United Ladies first team midfielder Sam Pittuck who has scooped the FA Womens Premier League top scorer award with her 20 goal tally this season pipping Ann-Marie Heatherson of Millwall by a single goal. Sam will receive her award at the FA Womens Football Awards on May 22nd.
10/05/09 HAMMERS DEALT A THREE CARD TRICK: WEEKEND RESULTS ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies were dealt a three card trick in their trio of fixtures this weekend with a win a draw and a loss in their hand. The win came courtesy of the Under 16 side in their League Cup Final where a Holly Griffin hat trick after Gemma Abela had opened the scoring, midway through the first half, was sufficient to earn the team a 4-0 win against Silver End and secure the league and cup double. The draw was earned the hard way as the reserve team fought back from 4-1 down to earn a vital point in their quest for the FA Womens Premier League Reserve Division Two South. A Sarah White hat tirck and a Nat Grafton effort saw the Hammers pull level with just five minutes remaining. With nearest challengers Reading winning 3-1 against Colchester United, the Hammers will need to match or better Reading's final result next weekend when they meet Portsmouth again to secure the title. The loss was encountered by the Under 12 side who went down 2-1 to Senrab and will now have to settle for the runners-up spot in the league.
06/05/09 RESERVES HIT SIX OF THE BEST: MIDWEEK RESULTS ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies reserves hit six of the best as they maintained their place at the top of the FA Women's Premier Reserve League Divison Two South with a 6-1 victory against Colchester United under the lights at Wivenhoe. Sam Pittuck and Lindsey Morgan both chipped in with two goals a piece and were joined on the scoresheet by Carly Roache and Gemma Shepherd to leave the Hammers clear at the top of the table with two games left to play.
04/05/09 PODIUM FINISH AS HAMMERS FIND THE POWER OF THREE: WEEKEND RESULTS ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies achieved thier highest ever placing in the club's history with the first team's 3-0 victory in their final league match against Portsmouth guaranteeing a top three finish in the FA Womens Premier League South regardless of other results. Holly Griffin, Gemma Shepherd and an own goal saw the Hammers to victory. The reserve team continued their title push with another resounding win - tripling the first team's score - with eight different players getting on the scoresheet as they swept past Brighton and Hove Albion 9-0. The Under 16s had another busy weekend following up Sunday's 4-2 win in their final league game against Redbridge with a battling second half comeback to draw 3-3 with Cardiff City in a bank holiday friendly having been three down early in the game - the equaliser coming three minutes before the end. The Under 14s were also on Bank Holiday duty and won an entertaining and hard fought match with AFC Wimbledon by the odd goal in three. The Under 12s went further a field - venturing across the Irish Sea to take part in the Shelburne United International tournament and also achieved a podium finish with 3rd place overall. The Under 11s completed their plate league programme on May 3rd, with a comprehensive 9-0 (three squared) victory at Chelmsford City, with Jaidene Brown notching three of the goals.
02/05/09 MANCHESTER UNITED NEXT UP FOR UNDER 16s IN TESCO CUP
West Ham United Ladies 16s will face Manchester United in their semi final at the National Finals of the Tesco Cup at Leicester City's Walkers Stadium on Sunday 17th May. The winners will face either West Bromich Albion or the representative from the South West in the final for the right to represent England in the Home Nations event at the Reebok Stadium the following week.
APRIL 2009 [20 Jun @ 10:00pm]
30/04/09 HAMMERS TAKE GOLD FROM SILVER: MIDWEEK RESULTS ROUND UP
Goals from Amy Cooley, Gemma Abela and Maddie Thomas were enough for West Ham United Ladies Under 16s to secure the victory that clinched the Essex County Girls League title with a match to spare against Silver End last night. The squad can now turn their attention to completing the League and Cup double as they face the same oponnents in the League Cup Final on Sunday 10th May and then head up to the National Finals of the Tesco Cup the following week where they will compete with Manchester United Girls, West Bromich Albion Girls and a qualifier from the South West region for the right to represent England in the Home Countries Final.
28/04/09 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The West Ham United Ladies Annual General Meeting will take place on Monday 18th May at 7.45pm. The meeting will be held in The Premiere Suite at Upton Park. All members are encouraged to attend. The agenda is available on the Club Documents page.
26/04/09 HAMMERS GO THE EXTRA MILE: WEEKEND RESULTS ROUND UP
With two of the senior players pounding the 26 mile route of the London Marathon, West Ham United Ladies first and reserve team also produced non stop running performances to gain vital victories by the odd goal in five. The first team put in a performance described by manager Tony Marshall as one of the best this season, to win 3-2 at Charlton, with Tracey Duxbury, Rosey Sullivan and the league's top scorer Sam Pittuck on target. The reserves played at home to the same opponents and needed a sprint finish to gain the points with a last minute winner from Dani Hoy after Sarah White and Fran Tye has scored earlier in the game. The Under 16s were able to jog at a more leisurely pace during their 7-1 win in a friendly fixture against Norfolk based side Thorpe, with Amy Cooley and Maddie Thomas both grabbing hat tricks. A dead heat photo finish for the under 12s as they played out their top of the table clash with LTD Doves and drew 1-1, which assuming the Hammers win their last league game will mean the sides will meet again in a league title play off decider. The under 11s were pipped at the line going down by a single goal to Leigh Ramblers. Earlier in the week a developmental Under 14s played a double header with American touring side Seacoast United - gaining a 1-1 draw on Thursday before the American's won the gold with a 2-0 victory on Saturday morning. Finally well done to Gemma Shepherd and Katie Holmes who finished the gruelling marathon course in 4 hours 21 minutes raising money for the Nightingale Trust.
19/04/09 UNDER 14s CROWNED CHAMPIONS
West Ham United Ladies trophy cabinet for the 2008/9 season will need a little more space after the Under 14 team secured the Essex County Girls Football League title on Sunday. The team went into their final game against Redbridge knowing just avoiding defeat would be enough to secure the title and duly completed the task with an 8-3 win. As champions the side will now attempt to complete the league and cup double when they take on Ockendon Rhinos in the league cup final on Sunday 17th May.
19/04/09 EVERY LITTLE HELPS AS HAMMERS SHOP IN MORE SILVERWARE: WEEKEND RESULTS ROUND UP
With no action for the first team this weekend the reserves took centre stage with a gripping encounter against fellow title rivals Reading Royals. With club stalwart Julia Setford having to step in between the sticks, the Hammers showed courage to fight back from going an early goal down with Emma Harrison, Sarah White and Sam Pittuck on target to see them through to a 3-2 victory and a proud place on top of the table. The Under 16s were first off the mark this weekend with a terrific performance at the regional round of the Tesco Cup on Saturday - sweeping all before them to take the South of England title and earn a place in the National Finals at Leicester City's Walkers Stadium after beating Canterbury City 2-0 in the final. Maddie Thomas was selected as the sponsors player of the tournament. They followed up on Sunday with a comfortable 6-0 league victory at Beacon Hill with a Katie Bottom hat trick helping pave the way. More celebrations ensued for the Under 14 squad as they secured the Essex County Girls League title with an 8-3 victory against Redbridge, Dannielle Robertson kept up her impressive scoring run with another six goal haul as the Hammers ticked off the first leg of the league and cup double they have in their sights. The Under 12s kept their title hopes alive with a comfortable 9-2 victory at Colchester Town.
18/04/09 UNDER 16s VICTORIOUS IN TESCO CUP
West Ham United Under 16s will represent Southern England at Leicester City's Walkers Stadium on May 17th after emerging victorious from the Regional Round of the Tesco Cup at Roehampton. Group game wins against Seahaven (Sussex), Chinnor (Oxfordshire) and Silver End (Essex) saw the Hammers advance to meet Canterbury City (Kent) in the final where a 2-0 victory gave them the trophy. Manager Wayne Collier said "I was very pleased with everyones performance today as we came to do a job and everything went to plan along with the bonus of a clean sheet all day with 13 goals scored. I could not ask for anymore from the squad." The managers player of the tournament for West Ham was Maddie Thomas who was also adjudged the Tesco player of the tournment.
12/04/09 EASTER BONANZA AS HAMMERS GO ON A GOAL HUNT: WEEKEND RESULTS ROUND UP
There was an Easter goal bonanza for West Ham United Ladies senior sides with both the first team and reserve team hunting goals rather than eggs in their Easter Sunday fixtures with Keynsham Town. Sam Pittuck led the way and kept up her remarkable goal tally with two goals in the 4-2 win by the first team with Toni-Anne Wayne and Gemma Shepherd also chipping in with a goal a piece to send the Hammers joint second with Charlton and Barnet. The reserves romped to a 13-1 victory at Keynsham with Dani Hoy and Sarah White both bagging five goals to keep up their title charge. There were no league games for the junior sides although the Under 16s warmed up for their Tesco Cup appearance next weekend with a 0-0 draw in a friendly development fixture with Kent Magpies.
09/04/09 HAMMERS STAR IN THE EAST: MIDWEEK RESULTS ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies Under 14s squad completed a successful two game tour of East Anglia with wins against Kings Lynn and Great Yarmouth based Bohemians FC. The Kings Lynn game on Tuesday was played in front of a three figure crowd as the centre piece of a football funday in the Norfolk village of Weeting and The Hammers girls lived up to their star billing with a 3-0 victory, helped by two goals from Dannielle Robertson. The Peter James Group sponsored mini bus then headed up the A12 to take on Bohemians and in a very tight and highly entertaining game the Hammers emerged 1-0 winners thanks to a late second half goal.
09/04/09 HAMMERS DUO TO RUN LONDON MARATHON
Two of West Ham United Ladies senior players are set to pound the streets as they take on the gruelling 26 mile London Marathon in April. Gemma Shepherd and Kate Holmes, who both joined the club this season, are running in aid of the worthy Nightingale charity and can be sponsored through the following links: www.justgiving.com/gemmashepherd www.justgiving.com/kholmes Nightingale is a residential and nursing Home cares for older people whatever their physical state of health providing devoted and comprehensive nursing care and special facilities for those with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. This guarantees peace of mind and the security of knowing there is a home for life. Charity Registration No 207316 With two oclock kick off times planned for the Hammers matches that Sunday a quick pace in the Marathon should see them able to at least come on in the second half!
06/04/09 JUNIOR EASTER TRAINING SCHEDULE
Please note there will be no training sessions at Beckton for the junior sides on Good Friday nor for the Under 16s at Chadwell Heath on Thursday 9th April.. Under 16s, 14s and 12s training will continue as normal on other days around Easter. The Under 11 squad are having a short break from training and will recommence for their next session on Wednesday 22nd April.
05/04/09 HAMMERS BECOME THE POOLS PUNTERS FRIEND: WEEKEND RESULTS ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies first team had a frustrating afternoon as they played out their third draw in three matches when held 0-0 by Brighton and Hove Albion in game played at Broxbourne due to Thurrock being unavailable. The Hammers would certainly be keeping pools punters happy with this being their eighth draw of the FA Premier League South campaign. There wins for all the other sides in action today though, with the reserve team keeping up their push for the title with a 1-0 win at Charlton Athletic with Sarah White converting the only goal. The junior section found goals easier to come by with the Under 16 side hitting nine without reply at Redbridge - Maddie Thomas helping herself to four of the goals. The Under 12s won 4-0 at Valley Green whilst the Under 11s won by the same scoreline against Tigers amidst the sumptious surroundings of the the new pavilion at Flanders Fields. The Under 14s received a walkover win when their opponents were unable to raise a side - but with two games coming up midweek they will not be short of action.
01/04/09 HAMMERS PEGGED BACK AGAIN: MIDWEEK RESULTS ROUND UP
A ninety second minute equaliser saw West Ham United Ladies first team pegged back for the second time in a week by Crystal Palace under the lights at Whyteleafe FC in their FA Tesco Women's Premier League South fixture, Sam Pittuck had put the Hammers in front but as in the home fixture the Hammers could not build on the lead and deep into stoppage time Crystal Palace forced and equaliser to deny West Ham the three points.
MARCH 2009 [20 Jun @ 10:00pm]
29/03/09 HAMMERS BOOK THEIR TICKETS TO CUP FINAL: WEEKEND RESULTS ROUND UP
There will be three West Ham United Ladies junior sides contesting this season's Essex County Girls Football League Cup finals after a thrilling weekend of semi finals. The Under 16s overcame Herongate, battling back from going a goal down to earn a 4-1 victory. The Under 11s will also be at Maldon Town in May for the final after being taken to extra time before emerging 3-2 winners against Leigh Ramblers. They will join the Under 14s who had won their semi final a few weeks earlier but today moved closer towards a possible league and cup double with a comfortable 8-1 win at Redbridge. The toughest task of the day undoubtedly fell to Under 12 side who just lost out by a single goal to Little Thurrock Doves in the tightest of semi finals. On the senior front the first team were without a game but the reserves maintained their own push for silverware and the FA Premier League Reserve League Two South title with a 3-1 win at Crystal Palace.
25/03/09 FLANDERS PAVILION ALMOST READY: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
West Ham United Ladies were delighted to be given the news that the new pavilion at Flanders Playing Fields, home ground for all our junior teams, will become fully operational from April 4th. In preparation on Saturday 28th of March from 10am till around 4pm the managing body of the grounds are holding a workday to help ready the new facility for final use. This will possibly involve: Preparing & Planting around car park Putting up fencing / netting to protect front of pavilion Fixing of picnic benches & boot scrapers Installation of TV aerial & TVs Relocating metal fence panels Installation of some internal fixtures & fittings If you can, please volunteer a few hours to help as the Ladies section joins with all the other users of the pavilion and grounds to put the finishing touches to the splendid building. The day will end with a BBQ for all helpers. Coaches, players and parents should note that from April 4th access to the playing fields will be via the new pavilion entrance in Napier Road and not through the current gates.
25/03/09 EAGLES KEEP HAMMERS OFF THE TOP: MIDWEEK RESULTS ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies missed out on the opportunity to overtake Charlton Athletic on goal difference at the top of the FA Tesco Womens Premier League South tonight when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Crystal Palace at Thurrock. Zoe Marshall scored the Hammers goal in the first half only for the Eagles to level in the second period.
22/03/09 HAMMERS AT THE DOUBLE: WEEKEND RESULTS ROUND UP
With the West Ham United Ladies first team and reserve team both playing Portsmouth today, the matches were played one after the other at Fareham Town FC down on the South Coast. A double strike from Sam Pittuck saw the first team emerge victorious with a 2-1 win in the first of the double header of matches. The reserve team coud not double the points tally having to be content with a single point from a goalless draw. The Under 16s also faced a double header this weekend having beaten Silver End 3-0 on Saturday they took on Beacon Hill on Sunday on the main pitch at Thurrock and won 7-0 with Maddie Thomas bagging a treble. Double strikes from Lillie Kershaw and Dannielle Robertson saw the Under 14s win 4-1 at Ockendon Rhinos whilst the Under 11s hit the bullseye and beat Writtle Minors 6-1 at Flanders Fields.
19/03/09 KATIE HOLMES NAMED AS NEW WOMEN AND GIRLS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER: CLUB STATEMENT
West Ham United Ladies are delighted to announce that senior first team player Katie Holmes has been appointed Womens and Girls Development Officer for West Ham United FC (Football in the Community Sports Trust), reporting to CEO Mick King. Katies role will be to further develop women and girls participation in football at all ages and levels of experience throughout the local community and Home Counties. She also will be responsible for continuing to raise the profile of West Ham United Ladies FC, whose first team compete in the FA Tesco Womens Premier League Southern Division and also operate teams at Reserve, Under 16, Under 14, Under 12 and Under 11 age groups, with an elite development U-19 squad being introduced in 2009-2010. Director of Football and First Team Manager Tony Marshall is "delighted" at the appointment of Katie - who had to undergo a rigorous interview process to see off tough competition for the role. "This shows how far the women and girls set up has come within the club and the support of Football In The Community CEO Mick King and Operations Manager Andy Scott has been instumental in making this happen. It will not only dramatically raise our profile but also help us to gain access to the existing pool of playing talent that we know exists in and around London, which we have not really had the opportunity to access previously. This will enable us to keep raising the standard of players at the whole club. We obviously have benfited enormously at first-team level from the support of Assistant Academy Director Paul Heffer and also, more importantly, Ben Illingworth, Operations Director at West Ham. The pairs support has helped give us the beginning of a real infrastructure which we hope will lead to in the short-term to a girls Academy and ultimately a Centre of Excellence These are very exiting times at the club with the seniors having just won the Essex County Cup and sitting 3rd in their league, the reserve side favourites for their league title and all of the junior sides contesting the top places of their respective leagues.
19/03/09 RESERVES BACK TO WINNING WAYS: MIDWEEK RESULTS ROUND UP
Two goals from Sarah White and an own goal were sufficient for West Ham United Ladies reserve team to return to winning ways with a 3-1 victory against Colchester United under the lights at Thurrock.
16/03/09 HAMMERS TO PARADE COUNTY TROPHIES AT UPTON PARK TONIGHT
Following their success against Colchester United in the Essex FA Womens County Cup yesterday, West Ham United Ladies will be parading the trophy during the half time interval at tonight's FA Premier League fixture between West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion at Upton Park.They will be joined on the pitch by Wayne Collier's Under 16 squad who also gained a county crown when they won the London FA Girls Youth Cup last month. For those not at the game there may be a chance to glimpse the Hammers Ladies as the match is being covered by Setanta. Speaking of the opportunity manager Tony Marshall explained, "I hope this will also really raise awareness with the clubs fan base and also maybe help attract the next Kelly Smith to the club." Looking back on yesterday's triumph he added, "I am very proud of the girls and in front of the watching Paul Heffer, Assistant Academy Director for the boys and Andy Scott the Operations Manager for Football in the Community, it was pleasing that we got the ball down and played football."
15/03/09 COUNTY CUP JOY FOR HAMMERS: WEEKEND RESULTS ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies picked up their first major silverware, winning the Essex FA Women's County Cup at the first time of asking courtesy of an emphatic 9-0 victory in today's final with Colchester United at Maldon Town FC. A hat trick from Sam Pittuck, two from Tracey Duxbury and single strikes from Zoe Marshall, Gemma Shepherd, Clare Rogers and fittingly club stalwart Julia Setford eased the Hammers to victory. Elsewhere there were mixed results with the reserve team going down 2-0 on the road at Reading to slow up their charge towards the top of the FA Premier Reserve League South Division Two. The Under 16 side won a key league fixture at Herongate with a Holly Griffin hat trick helping them towards a 4-1 victory. The Under 14s finally broke some stubborn resistance to beat Maldon Town 4-0 with all the goals coming in the second half. The two younger sides had to settle for draws with the Under 12s held 2 a piece by Tigers and the Under 11s held 1-1 by Leigh Ramblers.
12/03/09 CUP FEVER DRAWS FANS
West Ham United Ladies are putting the final touches to their preparations for their first appearance in a senior cup final. Sunday afternoon sees the Hammers up against Colchester United in the final of the Essex FA Women's County Cup at Maldon Town Football Club. The Hammers will be hoping for a bumper following for the game, with most of the matches of the clubs younger sides being moved to morning kick offs to allow the players and parents to get to Maldon for the 2.00 kick off and will be joined by Herbie and Bubbles the official West Ham United mascots.
08/03/09 NOT QUITE A HURRICANE BUT HAMMERS STORM ON: WEEKEND RESULTS ROUND UP
The wind might have seemed liked it hit hurricane force this afternoon but West Ham United Ladies first team were able to brew up a storm of their own smashing five past Ipswich Town without reply, with goals from Lindsey Morgan, Sam Pittuck, Tracey Duxbury, Holly Griffin and Julia Setford. The reserve team went one better against Keynsham Town breezing into a 6-0 lead inside 36 minutes but a sting in the storm's tail saw the weather conditions force the opposition players off the pitch and leave the Hammers awaiting the referees report on the status of the result. The Junior sides also found the elements as tough as the opposition with the Under 16s recording an 8-1 victory at home to Assandun Vikings whilst the Under 11s avoided being blown off course with an early kick off in a tight 2-1 victory at Tigers. The Under 12s shared the points with a 2-2 draw at Little Thurrock Doves whilst without a league fixture the Under 14s lost out in a high scoring 6-4 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur.
04/03/09 HAMMERS LOSE GRIP ON CUP: MIDWEEK RESULTS ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies reserve teams hopes of getting their hands on the handles of the London FA Womens Cup were dashed tonight at Colney Heath. The Hammers put up a terrific display against their higher ranked opposition and made Arsenal Ladies work all the way to win through to the semi final of the London FA Womens Cup at the Hammers expense. A goal right on the stroke of half time broke the deadlock and the game was still in balance until Arsenal added their third goal in the dying minutes.
04/03/09 SUPERMARKET SWEEP
West Ham United Ladies junior sides have been busy fundraising with the Under 16 squad following up their Christmas bag packing duties with a spell helping at Morrisons Supermarket in Grays. Whilst this weekend the Under 12 squad wil be at Romford Market - joned by Herbie the Hammer and Bubbles the Bear - to help raise funds for their proposed trip to Ireland in May.
04/03/09 HERBIE AND BUBBLES TO LEND SUPPORT FOR FINAL
West Ham United Ladies will have the support of club mascots Herbie and Bubbles at the Essex FA Womens County Cup final against Colchester United on Sunday 15th March. The Hammers will be hoping for a bumper following for their first county cup final appearance, with the matches of the clubs younger sides being moved to morning kick offs to allow the players and parents to get to the game. The match kicks off at 2.00pm at Maldon Town FC
01/03/09 HAMMERS CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH: WEEKEND RESULTS ROUND UP
With a draw for the first team and four wins from the junior sides with one coming in a league cup semi final, West Ham United Ladies came through the weekend with a clean bill of health, apart of course for the reserve team who once again found themselves with no game. The first team kept a clean sheet as they fought out a goalless draw in a London derby with high flying Millwall Lionesses and felt unfortunate not to have emerged with all three points. In the Essex County League, the Under 16s travelled to Clacton Athletic and notched a 10-1 victory, whilst the under 12s also notched ten but his time without reply as they took on Colchester Town at Flanders. The under 11s won their double header encounter with Little Thurrock with a 3-0 scoreline in both matches. The most exciting game of the day though was surely at Southend where the Under 14s earned a League Cup Final place with an amazing 6-3 semi final comeback victory after being 3-0 down inside fifteen minutes - with all six goals coming from Dannielle Robertson. And the reserve team - well once again they went through the well rehearsed routine of having their game postponed as the "dodgy lasagne" curse struck again and illness swept through opponents Brighton and Hove Albion's camp forcing them to scratch the fixture.
FEBRUARY 2009 [20 Jun @ 10:00pm]
24/02/09 ALL WHITE ON THE NIGHT: MIDWEEK RESULTS ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies reserve team booked a quarter final trip to Arsenal with a comprehensive 5-1 victory at Haringey Borough in the fourth round of the London FA Women's Cup under lights in North London tonight. Two Sarah White goals saw the Hammers go into the break with a 2-1 lead and she completed her hat trick early in the second half before Sophie Walker and Dani Hoy added to the Hammers tally. The match was finally played at the fifth attempt after a series of postponements. The quarter final with Arsenal will be played early next month with the winners to meet Crystal Palace in the semi final.
22/02/09 JUNIOR SIDES PROUDLY DISPLAY THE BOBBY MOORE FUND LOGO
West Ham United Ladies junior sides saw their playing kits get a proud revamp this week as the Bobby Moore Fund logo was added to the front of their playing shirts. Stephanie Moore MBE established the Bobby Moore Fund, in partnership with Cancer Research UK, in 1993. The Fund was set up in memory of Stephanie's late husband, the Hammers legend Bobby Moore OBE, who sadly died from bowel cancer, aged just 51. The Bobby Moore Fund raises money for research into bowel cancer and also public awareness of the disease. To date the Bobby Moore Fund has raised over £10 million for dedicated bowel cancer research. The funds are spent on high-quality bowel cancer research carried out by leading scientists working across the UK. The money raised to date has funded over 36 Bobby Moore Research Fellowships and three additional research projects. For further details of the fund and donation methods:
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/bobbymoorefund
22/02/09 NO RUST AS HAMMERS SPRING BACK INTO ACTION: WEEKEND RESULTS ROUND UP
With the winter weather now hopefully a thing of the past, West Ham United Ladies were able to spring back into action with all six sides now shaking off the rustiness and enjoying the winning feeling this weekend. The First Team returned to FA Womens Premier League action and goals from Jess Barling, Sam Pittuck and Lindsey Morgan helped them to a 3-2 win against Cardiff City at Thurrock. Overcoming the shock of finally having a game after weeks of postponements the reserve team returned from the South Coast with three points after disposing of Brighton and Hove Albion 3-0 with goals from Dani Hoy, Sophie Walker and Nat Grafton. The Under 16s once again went on a goal frenzy, Kimmilee Day helping herself to nine goals in a 20-0 romp against Clacton Athletic. The Under 14s were 2-0 winners against Ockendon Rhinos with Shadai Miller scoring both goals in an entertaining and close fought game. The Under 12s travelled to Tigers and were able to tame their hosts with a 4-0 victory whilst the Under 11s overcame a well organised Chelmsford City side by three goals to one to complete the clean sweep.
15/02/09 POLISH UP THE SILVER: WEEKEND RESULTS ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies will have to dig out the polish after securing more silverware this weekend following the Under 16s hard fought 3-1 victory in the London FA Girls Youth Cup final at the Mile End Stadium. Goals from Kimmilee Day, Holly Griffin and Gemma Abela paved the way for the win which secures the chance of further silverware in the national Tesco Cup. The first team are also on the trophy hunt with their 9-0 semi final win against Braintree Town earning them an Essex County Cup Final apperance against Colchester United, helped by a double strike from Jess Barling as a further seven Hammers players made the scoresheet. Back in league action the Under 12s hit eight as they eased to victory against Catholic United, whilst the Under 11s were pegged back by a last miunte equaliser in their one all draw with Writtle Minors. The Under 14s missed out in their top of the table clash with LTD Foxes leaving their fightback too late to go down to a 3-1 defeat. Spare a thought though for the senior reserve team - who once again found themselves victims of the weather. When Monday's storms hit the South Coast it didnt require a fixture list to guess that would be the location of the reserves game and sure enough the Portsmouth pitch could not cope with the deluge and the match was postponed.
14/2/09 FUTSAL SUCCESS FOR HAMMERS
With five under eighteen year olds in the nine player squad West Ham United Ladies beat all before them in the Essex County FA Futsal Tournament on Friday evening. Victories against Colchester United, Brentwood Town, Chelmsford City and Billericay Town saw the Hammers rack up 28 goals and only concede two in the process. Clare Rogers, Jemma Shepherd and Zoe Marshall jointly topped the scoring as the Hammers quick passing and moving created a host of scoring opportunities through the evening. Futsal is a five-a-side version of the game, played with hockey sized goals and a smaller ball with a reduced bounce. Unlike traditonal five a side the ball can go out play and there are no rebound walls. As a small-sided game players are constantly placed in situations where they must receive or play whilst under pressure or in confined spaces and it places considerable demand on technique, movement, tactical awareness and fitness. Squad: Toni Munro, Jess Barling, Carly Roache, Zoe Marshall, Clare Rogers, Rosy Sullivan, Gemma Shepherd, Leah Cowan, Paris Smith.
10/02/09 ALL TRAINING RESUMES
Following the cancellation of all training sessions last week due to the icy conditions West Ham United Ladies are pleased to announce all sessions for both senior and junior sides resume as normal this week.
08/02/09 HAMMERS HOPES OF FOOTBALL ACTION MELT AWAY: WEEKEND ROUND UP
Once again West Ham United Ladies face a weekend without matches as unsurprisingly this week's artic weather has caused the postponement of all sides matches. With pitches either still frozen or in the case of a thaw setting in, flooded in patches, the only skill on show this weekend is the dexterity of the managers texting fingers as they once more send out the all too familiar message of "match off".
01/02/09 AVALANCHE OF GOALS SWEEP ACROSS THE CLUB BUT FIRST TEAM SLIP UP IN SNOW: WEEKEND RESULTS ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies swept in an avalanche of goals this weekend in the wintery conditions with five of the sides recording 57 goals between them, but with the swirling snow starting to settle the first team slipped up, going down 2-0 to neighbours Colchester United in their return to FA Womens Premier League South action. The reserve team were able to avenge the loss however as they were also playing Colchester United and made goalscoring look as easy as throwing snowballs in a 9-1 victory. The Junior sides were all in cup quarter final action and warmed up the spectators with a flurry of goals. The Under 11s hit eight without reply against Gallow United as did the Under 12s at Writtle. The Under 14s went further putting 11 past Clacton Athletic and with goals descending as quickly as the snow at Flanders, the Under 16s won 18-1 against Barking, to see all four junior teams safely into the semi finals.
JANUARY 2009 [21 Jun @ 3:19pm]
25/01/09 WATER POLO THE ANSWER AS ALL HAMMERS GAMES OFF AGAIN: WEEKEND RESULTS ROUND UP
Once again all West Ham United Ladies senior and junior sides found themselves without any match action this weekend with the pitch at Thurrock unable to withstand the drenching on Thursday and Friday and despite the usually more reliable Flanders pitches coping with that downpur and being playable on Saturday, the heavy overnight rain proved too much and this morning the games there as well as the Under 16s away match at Silver End were all called off. With such an appaling run of ill luck with postponements, it is not hard to imagine that even if the club took up water polo, an immediate drought would cause all swimming pools to be emptied of water and even that would be postponed.
18/1/09 GROUNDHOG DAY: WEEKEND RESULTS ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies emerged from their enforced winter hibernation showing few ill effects from the long break. The Seniors eased themselves back into the swing with a 5-0 victory against Brentwood Town in the quarter final of the Essex County Cup. The Under 16s were rarely troubled in a 9-1 win at Assandun Vikings with Holly Griffin and Kimmilee Day both starting the new year with hat tricks. The Under 14s faced a potentially tricky league match at Southend Manor but put in a hardworking performance to win 3-1 helped by a double strike from Dannielle Robertson. The Under 12s also faced tough opponents in a League Cup tie and went through courtesy of a 3-1 victory at the expense of Tigers FC. Pride of place though must go to the Under 11 side who secured the Essex County Girls Football League Western Divison title with a 3-0 win at Little Thurrock to pip Leigh Ramblers in the final week of the regular season. Meanwhile the senior reserve team appear to be stuck in a Groundhog Day scenario, as once again they woke up on a Sunday morning to receive news that their fixture had been postponed. The side, who have only managed to play one competitive fixture since the 26th October now have to hope they can finally emerge from their hibernation next weekend when they will attempt to replay today's postponed London County Cup match with Haringey Borough.
13/1/09 LADIES RENEW CHARTER STANDARD
West Ham United Ladies have been advised by the Football Association that they have been granted a renewal of their Charter Standard Status. Clubs are required to apply to renew their status every three years and the Hammers recent successful renewal grants them Charter Standard Adult Club status until January 2012.
11/01/09 HAMMERS TOTALLY FROZEN OFF
Despite six matches planned at four different venues not a single West Ham United Ladies side could take the field this weekend as the icy start to the New Year disrupted fixtures for the second week running. Following the downpours towards the end of 2008 which saw the two senior sides fixtures badly hit, the cold snap has meant frozen pitches have forced the Hammers to once again search for things to do at the weekend with only those lucky enough to have Subbuteo sets to dig out the loft able to see any football action. Next week, fingers crossed, sees the senior sides in County Cup action with the first team taking the Essex Cup responsiblities against Brentwood Town and the reserve team tackling Haringey Borough in the London Cup, whislt the junior sides will be looking to at long last resume their Essex County League programme.
04/01/09 THE FROST REPORT: WEEKEND RESULTS ROUND UP
2009 started in the same manner as 2008 finished for West Ham United Ladies - with everyone looking for something to do on a Sunday - as yet again the fixture programme was hit by postponements; this time frozen pitches being the culprit. However one Hammers team did manage to beat the frost and get their first game of the year in as the Under 14s ventured up to East Anglia to take on Norfolk League leaders Bohemians in a friendly on Saturday lunchtime and emerged 4-2 winners from a very entertaining and competitive game with goals Shadai Miller, Naomi Hayes and a double strike from Faye Cook.
02/01/09 HAMMERS KEEP HOLLY UP FOR NEW YEAR
With her sixteenth birthday coinciding with the new year, West Ham United Ladies have been able to sign Under 16s forward Holly Griffin as a senior player and she has been put straight into the first team squad for Sunday's fixture with Brighton and Hove Albion. Holly's inclusion shows the way ahead for the Hammer's junior section with many of the current first team also having represented the Hammers in junior sides in the not so distant past. On announcing her inclusion in the squad first team manager Tony Marshall commented, "It makes me very proud when I see players like Holly, Zoe Marshall and Alex Colley, who have all been at the club since they were eleven, start to establish themselves in the senior sides. Five of the under 16s team of three years ago have now played senior football. This sends a very positive message to our junior players about the progression that exists in the club." The focus on developing the juniors was evident over Christmas with a number of players from the clubs four junior sides invited up to Chadwell Heath to experience a first team training session.
DECEMBER 2008 [21 Jun @ 3:10pm]
21/12/08 WEEKEND RESULTS ROUND UP: WARM GLOW FOR HAMMERS IN CHRISTMAS BUILD UP
West Ham United Ladies settled down for the festive break with a warming glow as the three sides in pre Christmas action all gave the club a perfect present with three excellent results. The reserves returned to competitive action after weeks of postponements to record a 5-2 league victory at Crystal Palace with Dani Hoy, Chelsea Fowler, Ruby Southgate and a double from Toni-Anne Wayne paving the way. The Under 16s also travelled to South London to take on Athenlay in the semi final of the London FA Youth Cup and four goals from Kimmilee Day helped them to a 6-1 victory and a place in the final against Long Lane FC in the new year. Back at Flanders Fields the Under 14s ensured the Christmas spirit could flow with a resounding 7-0 victory against Writtle Minors with Faye Cook and Shadai Miller both notching hat tricks.
19/12/08 YOUNG HAMMERS PACK UP AT ASDA!
West Ham United Ladies Under 16s swapped their usual Friday night training session at Beckton for a hard night of packing for Christmas shoppers at ASDA in Dagenham. The squad have kindly been offered the fund raising opportunity by the Dagenham supermarket and will be spending the next few days helping around the store whilst collecting money from grateful shoppers which will go towards their planned summer tour.
13/12/08 CUP WEEKEND RESULTS ROUND UP
With heavy rain falling for almost 24 hours during the early part of the weekend, once again West Ham United Ladies have suffered a spate of postponements and even Flanders Fields was rendered unfit for play - an almost unheard event at the junior's home ground which possesses some the best pitches for drainage in London. The only action came at Millwall's First Team Training Ground at Calmont Road Bromley which was declared fit for the first team FA Cup Third Round fixture with Millwall Lionesses. Unfortunately for the Hammers a goal in either half saw them slip out of this season's cup at the first attempt. The team were dealt a further blow with next week's planned opponents Ipswich Town seeing their Cup match called off and consequently rearranged for next week in place of their Premier League clash with the Hammers. A friendly fixture will now be sought to ensure game time for the match starved seniors. All other games - both juniors and reserves were postponed.
13/12/08 MATCH OFF BUT UNDER 16s STILL WALK IT
With tomorrow's London FA Youth Cup semi final with South London based Athenlay FC falling foul of the torrential rain it gives the West Ham United Ladies Under 16s squad a chance to rest some weary feet and dry some clothes after they completed their sponsored walk today on a rain lashed Southend Pier. The hardy walkers braved the elements to help raise funds for the squad's end of season tour.
7/12/08 SENIORS OFF AGAIN: WEEKEND RESULTS ROUND UP
With the memory of football on a Sunday getting more distant following further postponements this weekend, there was little else for the senior players to do other than the Christmas shopping, with the first team game being hit by a frozen pitch and the reserves having no opponents following Ipswich Town's decision to call a halt to their reserve team. However a number of Tony Marshall's first team squad took the opportunity to head down to Flanders Fields - where football takes place every week - with him and coach Alex Bonner and take in the junior games as welcomed visitors. The Under 16s drew 2-2 with chief title rivals Herongate to leave the league title looking all down to their rematch in the new year. The Under 14s also faced a potentially difficult fixture against title hopefuls LTD Foxes but emerged 3-0 victors thanks to Dannielle Roberston's brace in a solid all round team performance. Away from home the Under 12s also won a tight match with a single goal being enough to secure the points against Catholic United, but there were no anxious moments for the Under 11s as they passed the ball with great effect to follow up their 20 goal haul last weekend with a 16-0 victory at Redbridge.
5/12/08 FORMER ENGLAND INTERNATIONAL TONI-ANNE SIGNS FOR HAMMERS
West Ham United Ladies are pleased to announce the signing of Toni-Anne Wayne from Charlton Athletic. A former England player, Toni-Anne brings a wealth of experience with her and will be another great addition to the first team squad as she is a versatile player, having played at the highest level of the game as goalkeeper and as an outfield player. She has settled in extremely well and looked very lively in training and manager Tony Marshall was obviously delighted she accepted the offer to join and help with the Hammers continued push for a top three finishing spot.
NOVEMBER 2008 [20 Jun @ 10:00pm]
30/11/08 YOUNGSTERS PROVIDE THE SUNSHINE: WEEKEND RESULTS ROUND UP
Once again it was only the clubs junior pitches at Flanders Playing Fields that were able to withstand the persistent Autumn rain, but unfortunately only two of the clubs sides were scheduled for home fixtures this weekend. Brightning up the grey skies though, both of the youngest teams in the club secured good victories, with the Under 12's beating title rivals Senrab 5-1 and the Under 11s overwhelming Romford Borough notching up twenty goals without reply.
22/11/08 JOHN GREENACRE
We have been saddened to learn of the passing away of club president John Greenacre this morning. John simply was West Ham United Ladies. He first became involved when setting up the original West Ham United Ladies in 1976. He switched to Romford Ladies in 1984. However in 1992 he helped reform West Ham United Ladies, entering two teams in the Greater London Regional Womens Football League. Sixteen years later our club find themselves a FA Charter standard club, members of the Tesco Womens Premier League South, with a flourishing junior section operating sides at Under 11, Under 12 Under 14 and Under 16 level in the Essex County Girls Football league. The driving force behind this growth was John Greenacre. At various times across the era he acted as first team manger, junior team manager, chairman, treasurer, secretary, coach, fund raiser, tour manager - in fact every conceivable role in the running of a football club, culminating upon his retirement at the end of last season with him taking the position of honorary club president. Beyond West Ham United John Greenacre has acted as a guide for countless touring teams from America and regularly refereed both female and male football. He also acted as Hon Registration Secretary and Hon Fixture Secretary for Greater London Women's Football League. Typically John fought his battle with cancer with huge dignity and courage and despite his illness was still a regular spectator at both Flanders and Thurrock. He took as much enjoyment from watching the younger teams as he did the first team. John will be sadly missed by many. All West Ham United Ladies matches this weekend have been cancelled whilst our thoughts go to his family at this sad time.
16/11/08 GOALS GALORE: WEEKEND RESULTS ROUND UP
After the Autumn rains finally relented to allow the seniors a full programme this weekend, the Hammers made up for lost time and in place of water droplets made it rain goals! In the Essex County Cup The 1st team racked up 15 without reply against Billericay Town to cruise into the next round. With planned opponents Colchester United also in County Cup action the reserves arranged a friendly away at Tottenham Hotpsur where a Chelsea Fowler double helped them on their way to a 6-1 victory. The Juniors had a mixed day with the Under 11s going down 2-0 at Leigh Ramblers, and the under 16s having a bye this week. The under 12s and Under 14s started their league campaigns, after the seeding competition had finished, with both sides in their respective top divisions. The Under 12s made a great start, shaking off the rust after three weeks without a game to win 8-0 and the Under 14s produced the performance of the day to beat previously unbeaten title hopefuls Southend Manor 4-0 at Flanders.
14/11/09 PROUD HAMMERS DISPLAY NEW TRAINING KIT
For the first time in the clubs history West Ham United Ladies have proudly been able to issue every registered player in all six teams with perfectly matching training kit. With the kit being distributed at training sessions this week the players received new tracksuit tops, training t shirts and rain jackets - all emblazoned with the West Ham United badge. Players also received tracksuit bottoms, shorts, socks and a sweatshirt as well as a holdall - again all badged. Providing training kit of such quality and quantity was possible due the kind assistance of Ben Illingworth, Operations Director at West Ham United and we are also indebted to Eamon McDaid for his huge contribution in getting the kit embroidered and sorted.
9/11/09 WINDS BLOW HOT AND COLD FOR HAMMERS: WEEKEND RESULTS ROUND UP
Despite the wind, rain and leaf strewn pitches four of West Ham United Ladies six sides managed to get their matches played this weekend. The 1st team lost out to run away league leaders, Charlton Athletic, by a single goal in a tightly fought game. The reserves had yet another blank weekend as May and Baker was deemed unfit on Friday evening. There was more joy for the junior sides though on a cup weekend. The under 16s won 11-1 at Redbridge helped by four from Kimmilee Day. The under 14s won 8-1 against Copeland Colts with six from Dannielle Robertson Top scorers though were the Under 11s who also beat Redbridge with hatricks form Layla Carvell, Amber Stokes and five from Jaidene Browne in a 13-1 win. The Under 12s have to wait a couple more weeks for their opening cup game as they drew a preliminary round bye.
3/11/08 INTRODUCING THE LATEST SIGNINGS
West Ham United Ladies FC are pleased to announce the signing of two new senior players, with the additions of Gemma Shepherd and Katie Holmes to the first team squad. Both players have switched across the Thames from neighbours Millwall. Kate is an experienced and tenacious midfield player who joined West Ham FC Ladies after a brief spell at Millwall Lionesses. Kates playing experience is considerable, particularly at this level having played for Lincoln City, Portsmouth, Barnet FC Ladies and most recently Millwall Lionesses to name a few. Kate also has representative honours for the Army FA, for whom she played an instrumental role in winning the Inter Services Championship title last season. Gemma is a versatile and intelligent player who has been used in a number of positions at her previous clubs. Gemma has joined from Millwall Lionesses where she managed to get off the mark for the season with a well taken goal against Truro Ladies. Gemma learnt her trade at youth level playing for Arsenal before taking a break from the game to pursue other sporting goals. She has also earned representative honours for Middlesex County FA. Manager Tony Marshall on announcing the signings stated: "We have signed 2 very experienced players from another premier league side who I have been interested in for some time which has really given us a boost and they will go into the squad for this Sunday."
2/11/08 FLANDERS THE ONLY VENUE FOR FOOTBALL: WEEEKEND RESULTS ROUND UP
With a combination of byes, heavy rain and league structures all conspiring to keep West Ham United Ladies indoors this weekend, the only action was at Flanders Fields with first team coach Alex Bonner and club president John Greenacre both welcomed visitors to take in the two junior matches. The Under 14 team showed a new found resiliance to hold off a determined Maldon Town side and protect their 2-1 lead for the whole second half with an impressive defensive display. The Under 11s also had a tight match, with Tigers becoming the first team to take points off the young Hammers this season by forcing a 2-2 draw. Hopefully all those DIY jobs around the house are now complete and drier weather will see all six sides out on the pitch next weekend.
OCTOBER 2008 [20 Jun @ 10:00pm]
29/10/08 YOUNG HAMMERS SHINE FOR COUNTY
With the Essex County Schools trials taking place at Chelmsford over the half term break, three young Hammers were already experiencing their county debuts as the Inner London County Schools FA resumed their girls county programme. The Inner London Under 14 side featured Morgan Mitchell, Sophie McLean and Leigh Houlihan, who all performed magnificently in their sides 1-1 draw with Suffolk at Ipswich.
26/10/08 MIXED FORTUNES IN THE RAIN: WEEKEND RESULTS ROUND UP
There were mixed fortunes for West Ham United Ladies sides this weekend amidst wet and gloomy skies. The first team brightened up the day with an outstanding 3-0 victory in Wales against Cardiff City courtesy of a brace from Sam Pittuck and an own goal, although it was the performance of the defensive unit that gave the side the platform for victory. The reserves suffered Cup heartbreak in their League Cup encounter with Watford. With the sides locked at 4-4 after a thrilling battle only penalties could separate them and unfortunately the Hammers second string went down 4-3 in the shoot out. The Under 16s strolled to a 10-1 victory at Brentwood Town with another 4 for Holly Griffin and a hat trick for Kimmilee Day. The Under 14s trip to Clacton was put on hold in the morning due to a waterlogged pitch and the 11s and 12s both had blank weekends as their respective leagues complete the seeding rounds.
19/10/08 HAMMERS AVOID BANANA SKINS:WEEKEND RESULTS ROUND UP
Taking a break from FA Womens Premier League action, West Ham United Ladies avoided a potential banana skin and won a safe passage through to the next round of the Essex County Cup beating Chelmsford City 4-1. The reserves continued their challenge at the top of the FA Womens Premier Reserve League Division Two with a 2-1 win at previously unbeaten Reading, to join them at the top of the table. The Under 16s had to resort to a training session at Flanders when opponents Barking pulled out of their fixture on Saturday evening. The Under 14s comfortably beat Redbridge 7-1, whilst the Under 11s beat the same opposition 6-1. The under 12s had a tough encounter with last year's champions Hornchurch Tigers and went down 0-4.
12/10/08 HAMMERS RIDE A CREST OF THE WAVE THIS WEEKEND: WEEKEND RESULTS ROUND UP
With the first team taking advantage of the late summer sun on their trip down to Truro, which reportedly saw Tony Marshall and the team out on the surf boards on Saturday afternoon, the club were certainly riding on the crest of the wave with some more cracking results on Sunday. The novel training session paid dividends for the first team as Sam Pittuck grabbed five in a 6-1 romp over Truro City with Lindsey Morgan claiming the other goal. The reserves continued their impressive start to the season with a Dani Hoy goal nicking the points against Keynsham Town. The Under 16s declared at thirteen against LTD Jaguars with another five goal haul for Holly Griffin. The Under 12s recorded a 5-1 win at home to Senrab - with Mollie Rose hitting her fourth consecutive hat trick and the Under 11s romped to 12-0 victory against Romford Borough. There was heartbreak for the Under 14s however when having hauled themselves back to 2-2 thanks to Leigh Houlihan's last minute strike against old foes Writtle Minors, they then struck the post in injury time only to see Writtle march up field and hit a winner before another Hammers player had touched the ball.
05/10/08 UNBEATEN AGAIN: WEEKEND RESULTS ROUND UP
With both senior matches falling foul of the weather attention switched to the junior section who responded in style with all sides recording comprehensive victories. At Flanders Field the Under 16s, watched by first team manager Tony Marshall, beat Herongate 8-2 with Georgia Rands firing a hat trick and a brace each from Holly Griffin and Maddie Thomas. First team coach Alex Bonner then watched the Under 14s win 11-2 against Chelmsford City thanks to Faye Cooks four goals, Sophie McLean's first club hat trick and a couple on debut from Shadai Miller. The younger sides travelled for away matches with the Under 12s notching a 7-1 victory in the morning at Hutton and the Under 11s ensuring a 100% record for the club with a 5-1 win against Little Thurrock Dynamos.
SEPTEMBER 2008 [20 Jun @ 10:00pm]
29/09/08 UNBEATEN WEEKEND FOR CLUB: WEEKEND RESULTS ROUND UP
West Ham United Ladies had an unbeaten weekend with one draw and five wins shared between the sides. The first team maintained their good start with a 2-2 draw at Colchester United thanks to goals from Sam Pittuck and Jess Barling. The reserves advanced to the second round of the League Cup, where they will meet Wafford, after a thrilling 4-3 win against Charlton Atheltic with Dani Hoy calmly converting two penalties. Goals a plently for the younger sides, with Hollly Griffiin notching six and Maddie Thomas a hat trick in the Under 16s 13-1 win at Redbridge. The Under 14s went one better rattling up 14 without reply thanks to hat tricks from Faye Cook, Leigh Houlihan and four from Dannielle Roberston. Goals too from the Under 12s who put nine past Redbridge with a Lauren Harvey hat trick and four from Mollie Rose. To round off the results on a terrific Sunday for the club, the Under 11s stayed top of the league with a 3-1 win against Leigh Ramblers.
02/09/08 COUNTY HONOURS FOR YOUNG HAMMERS
Four younger players at West Ham United Ladies have been awarded county honours after being selected for the Inner London County Schools FA representative squads for the 2008/9 season. Georgia Rands has been selected for the Inner London Under 16 side, whilst the Inner London Under 14 side includes Morgan Mitchell, Leigh Houlihan and Sophie McLean. With Essex County Schools FA holding their trials in a few weeks time, the Inner London quartet will no doubt be hoping to line up against some familiar faces if the teams meet during the season with the Hammers usually well represented in the Essex squad as well.
AUGUST 2008 [21 Jun @ 3:08pm]
08/08/08 BOOT DEAL WITH UNITED SPORTS
United Sports at Ilford have teamed up with West Ham United Ladies to provide senior and junior players with a terrific deal on new boots for the 2008/9 season. Players will receive a 20% discount on new boots and other purchases made with the boots as well as a 10% discount on any future sporting equipment bought at their Cranbrook Road store. 641-643 Cranbrook Road Iilford Essex IG2 6SX. Opening Hours: 9am-6pm Monday-Saturday. All players will shortly receive their discount card from team managers to allow them to obtain the discount.
JULY 2008 [20 Jun @ 10:00pm]
20/07/08 FORTUNES EBB AND FLOW AT EBBSFLEET
A mixed day for the Hammers sides competing at the Ebbsfleet United 5-A-Side Tournament across the Thames Estuary at Strood. Andie Woodley's senior reserve teams were both pipped at the death in their groups and missed out on a place in the final. The younger members of Jim Maycock's under 14 squad went a stage further in the Under 13 event and cruised through their group racking up an outstanding 31 goals in their five matches but had to accept the tournament's runners up trophy when missing out in a penalty shoot out after a 3-3 draw in the final. There was success for the Hammers though in a final penalty shoot out, when one of Wayne Collier's three under 16 teams held their nerve to win a competitive under 16 event after 17 consecutive successful spot kicks and continue their 100% record in summer tournaments.
20/07/08 HAMMERS GIRLS AT DAGENHAM SHOW
West Ham United Ladies paid their first visit to the Dagenham Town show with appearances on both days of the event. On Saturday members of the junior section joined sponsors Peter James in the street parade - handing out leaflets and goodies as they walked alongside the claret and blue balloon infested team mini bus. Whilst on the Sunday the under 11s made use of the five a side pitches during the afternoon and the seniors fresh from their pre season friendly with Aston Villa earlier in the afternoon gave a football demonstration in the main arena. Well done to all those all those who supported the club at the event, but in particular to: Naomi Hayes, Amylee Gullefer, Rebecca Dallas, Samantha Mitchell, Leigh Houlihan, Chelsea Martin, Lucy Jamieson, Hayley Dower and Abbie Wood for their magnificent effort representing the club on the street parade.
JUNE 2008 [20 Jun @ 10:00pm]
30/06/08 ALL HAMMERS FINAL AT HUTTON
Two West Ham United Ladies sides fought out the final of the Hutton 6-a-side tournament at the weekend, with a close match seeing the white team winning by a single goal.
30/06/08 GREAT VICTORY AT GREAT YARMOUTH
Four West Ham United Ladies junior squads travelled up the A12 on Sunday to take part in the Bohemians Six a Side Tournament featuring sides from across the East Anglian region. Whilst the Under 13 squad found the going tough in their qualifying group, the Under 14s managed to advance to the semi final stage but it was the older squads who brought back the impressive silverware. Having both qualified for the knockout rounds with ease the Under 15 and Under 16 teams eased through their semi finals and then having both been held to goaless draws in the final held their nerve to win the penalty shoot outs and take their respective titles.
23/06/08 HUNDRED UP AT JUNIOR TRIALS
Over one hundred girls descended on Flanders Fields on Sunday for the West Ham United Ladies junior open day trials. Obviously with numbers so high there was going to be disapointment for some although we hope everyone who came along enjoyed the training sessions. Selected girls have been invited back for pre season training during which team managers will make decisions on thier eventual playing squads.
10/06/08 HAMMERS GIRLS SET THE PACE AT SUMMER TOURNAMENTS
There has been no rest for the West Ham United Girls squads as they embark on a series of Summer Tournaments. After the success of a great treble winning season only two weeks ago the Under 16s hard work has already started again for next season and once again the West Ham girls ran out winners as they swept the competition of Spurs, Barking, Leigh Rockets, Southend United and Brentwood Town in the Final to one side to win the Hawkwell Athletic Under 15 5-a-side tournament. Not to be outdone the Under 14s also secured victory at the recent Leigh Rockets event.
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