West Ham United Girls Under 14s produced their best display of the season to see off a strong and previously unbeaten Southend Manor side at Flanders Fields. From the first to last minute the Hammers played with good purpose and thought to earn the points in a game that was always closer than the scoreline suggests.
The Hammers were quickly into their stride and caused an early scare for Southend when a Shadai Miller cross from the right flew across the penalty area, but clear cut chances were hard to come by for either team as the hard working midfields cancelled each other out. However the speed of the Hammers passing and their eagerness to be first to the ball saw them create slightly more of the openings and halfway through the first peirod their efforts were rewarded when a deft lob from Shadai Miller caught the Southend defence out and Faye Cook was able to slide in to apply the finish just before the keeper smoothered.
With their noses in front the Hammers then produced a disciplined spell to finish the half and with the back three of Samantha Mitchell, Lillie Kershaw and Katie Sorenson all performing magnificently, they were able to deal with the attacking threat of Southend Manor with minimum fuss - a scramble from a corner being as close as Southend got, having in the main been kept well outside the danger area and forced to try long range efforts.
The second half again required the Hammers to defend determinedly. Not a single tackle was missed and from that platform the Hammers were able to take a grip in midfield. Faye Cook provided strength on the right with her powerful running to join the attack at every opportunity seeing Southend forced back into their own half. On the other wing Sophie McLean's deft footwork allowed her to link play well and she also provided excellent support to Katie Sorenson at left back to stop Southend's main attacking route from the flanks.
In the centre Leigh Houlihan worked tirelessly winning tackle after tackle and winning a number of crucial headers and interceptions. Just such an interception and pinpoint through pass allowed Shadai Miller her first sight of goal in the half and having strode away from her marker calmly curled the ball around the keeper to give the Hammers a two goal cushion.
Still Southend did not give up and only a terrific covering tackle from Lauren Beard stopped them bursting through for a glorious chance to pull a goal back. Whilst the Hammers back three looked capable of dealing with everything thrown at them the girls still pushed foward rather than sitting on the lead and the game was well and truly wrapped up when Dannielle Robertson' sensible run drew defenders away from the ball carrying Shadai Miller to allow her to fire home at the near post.
Further gloss was added to the victory when Dannielle Robertson was able to turn neatly and deserevedly add her her name to score sheet, for the Hammers fourth, after she had put in a hardworking performance holding up the ball sensibly to give the Hammers a constant outlet when clearing.
Such had been the effort the Hammers had put into the half that Morgan Mitchell had only been forced to save once - coming out bravely to smoother at the feet of an onrushing forward - although her sensible distribution from goal kicks was a critical part of the team's success.
Manager Jim Maycock was understandably delighted with the teams effort. "The girls were spot on today. It was certainly our most complete performance of the season today - every player has given their all and as a manager you can not ask for more than that. Our concentration and decision making was first class. From the front two, who were always looking to chase back and win fifty fifty clearances to the back three who didnt miss a tackle all day, the work effort and support for each other was impressive. The midfield won their individual battles in every position and to be able to use the ball so well having worked so hard to win it shows the different dimensions they are developing into their game."