West Ham United Ladies 0-0 Barnet Ladies
West Ham United Ladies secured a well-earned point at home to Barnet Ladies on Wednesday night to stay top of the FA Women's Tesco Premier League.
The home side had the better of the first half with Sam Pittuck and Natalie Grafton going close. Barnet's best chance was from a well-taken set-piece that just flew past the post. After the break, captain Lindsey Morgan created several good chances but the best opening fell to Pittuck, who could not quite find the finish. Barnet boasted an experienced side including a former England international but could not find a way past the home side's rearguard.
West Ham United went into the game top of the league, having impressed so much in the opening games of the season that a senior member of management from the England national side was in attendance. The coach would certainly not have been disappointed by what was an enthralling contest, full of pace and power.
After a tight opening 45 minutes, the second half was a much more open affair. Morgan was at the centre of most things the home side did. The move of the match saw her play a neat one-two with Tracey Duxbury but the midfielder flashed her shot just past the post. It was not all one-way traffic though as Barnet nearly won it at the death as their striker blazed over the crossbar when well placed.
Barnet just lost out in the title race last season and the result is testament to how far the east London team have progressed. Manager Tony Marshall was delighted with his side. He said: "We were playing a very experienced and physical side which we more than matched. Our best start ever to a league campaign continues and I know the goals will come."
West Ham United: Paris Smith, Jade Dempster, Carly Roache, Rosy Sullivan, Jess Barling, Alex Keown, Zoe Marshall, Sam Pittuck, Lindsey Morgan (Capt), Nat Grafton, Tracey Duxbury
Subs: Julia Setford, Dani Hoy, Jo Washio