It was a clash at the bottom here at Goodison this afternoon, with both teams trying to capitalise on the new manager bounce. Both teams are coming into this game with a 50% win record since the WSL restart in January.
West Ham were without talisman captain Katrina Gorry so it was up to top goalscorer Viv Asseyi to take the armband. Whereas, it was former Hammer Courtney Brosnan taking up the mantle for the Toffees. The goalkeeper had just pledged her future to the club despite the managerial uncertainties.
It was the home side who tried to take control of the game first, with an audacious attempt by Gabarro who swung it over the bar. After 7 mins the Toffees had their goal, and it was another former Hammer who punished them. Hayashi with the tap in after Everton broke away from the midfield and sent the West Ham goalkeeper the wrong way.
They almost doubled their lead from a corner at 15 mins, but their header just went wide. West Ham however, will feel hard done by as a shove on Asseyi by Ruby Mace was waved off by the referee.
The majority of the first half was all the home side, who ran with confidence and dominance in the midfield. Their very physical presence was hard for the Hammers to deal with, and it was impressive it stayed 1-0.
West Ham’s best chance came at 39 mins when Asseyi broke free of her defender and rounded the keeper, her shot ended up trickling past the right post.
The second half, a slow start for both teams, with West Ham having a slight edge, bringing on Welsh Winger Morgan for Swiss international Wandeler. However, the Hammers were almost caught out on the break from their own attack. It was January, signing Tuva Hansen to the rescue for the throw in.
Everton’s number ten was causing all of the problems for the Hammers and was convinced she had the second till it was called back for a foul on Szemik.
Courtney Brosnan proved to be the immovable object in West Ham’s way to getting anything out of this game. Every free kick, corner or set piece was anticipated by Ireland’s number one and no one was getting through her brick wall.
In the end, it was Toffee’s that were victorious and West Ham’s relegation woes remain.
Everton: Brosnan ©, Blundell, Fernandez, Hayashi, Wheeler, Van Gool (Galli 68), Gabarro, Kitagawa, Vignola (Kramzar 81), Momiki (Pacheco 90), Mace
Subs: not used: Ramsey (GK), Ishikawa, Hobson, Gago, Lawley, Harber
Booked: Gabarro
Goal: Hayashi 8
West Ham United: Szemik, Wandeler (Morgan HT), Endo, Hansen, Cascarino (Belloumou 81), Hanshaw, Siren (Tennebø 80), Zelem, Ueki (Piubel 87) Asseyi ©, Martinez
Subs not used: Walsh (GK), Bose, Brasero, Houssein, Cemal
Booked: Cascarino
Referee: Megan Wilson
Talking points:
RG: We were missing Eva due to illness and we need to adapt accordingly. We left too many gaps and did not execute our game plan. We did not deserve a point as we could not organise ourself. Everton were very organised and defensively tough.
The big mistakes we made were was being too compact and allowed them too much space. We will watch and learn for next time.
SP: Pleased with the results as we need to get out of this relegation battle. Its all down to the girls and they have pushed themselves out of the battle.
The support of the fans really helps you feel it and push on. We asked for energy and the fans gave that.
However, Everton are the ones who will lose the most in the Asian Cup so it will be interesting to see how this affects us after the cup game.
Courtney Brosnan has been phenomenal and so glad she has committed her future to the club. She is a leader on and off the pitch and its why she is the captain.
