Having not won a league game since the season opener, Liverpool finally clinch three points important after defeating West Ham 2-0. The win gives captain, Niamh Fahey more to celebrate, as she made her 100th appearance for the club.
It only took two minutes for Liverpool to open the scoring. Holland barged Kate Longhurst and Honoka Hayashi out of the way before pummelling the ball into the top left corner.
Emma Koivisto was a constant threat on the right wing, twisting and turning away from her markers. In the 14th minute, the Finnish international had a shot on goal herself, but it was parried away well by Mackenzie Arnold.
The Reds made it 2-0 in the 20th minute when Taylor Hinds found Katie Stengel unmarked in the box. With one touch, the striker turned towards goal and finished it off.
The home side were quicker on their feet and West Ham were forced to take their chances on counter attacks. While Lisa Evans was often broke away on the left flank, she was dealt with quickly by Hinds and Megan Campbell, allowing Rachel Laws to have a comfortable first half in goal. The only spell of possession for the away side was in the 36th minute but after being forced from left to right for two minutes, they were not able to break down Liverpool’s defence.
The Hammers started the second half the better side, creating several chances. Longhurst and Evans combined well down the wing to set up Hayashi whose shot was blocked by Flaherty. Dagný Brynjarsdóttir’s effort was then saved at full stretch by Laws.
Holland and Melissa Lawley were relentless in midfield and were crucial in getting Liverpool back up the pitch. With just five minutes to go, Yana Daniels met Lawley’s cross right in front of goal but Arnold showed great reflexes to tip it over.
Seven extra minutes were added due to the high number of stoppages for head injuries towards the end of the game. Despite the eagerness of the West Ham players, any sort of attack was stopped by Liverpool’s solid defence. The three points ensure The Reds stay out of the relegation zone and will give them the confidence they need going into the Continental League Cup clash against Manchester City on Wednesday.
