Downham downs QPR

West Ham United Ladies 1-0 Queen's Park Rangers Ladies

West Ham United continued their winning start to the FA Tesco Womens Premier League Southern Division with a 1-0 win against Queens Park Rangers at Thurrock FC.

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.

West Ham's goal came from a move that started deep in their own half. A clearance by Jo Woodgates was intercepted by the QPR midfield but Downham closed her down quickly forcing the ball to rebound off Becky Merritt and back into the path of Downham. She quickly moved to the edge of the box before striking a looping right footed drive that went into the far corner of the net.

Merritt and Downham worked hard up front throughout the game but the Hammers failed to get the second goal that would have sealed the win. It was a nervous last few minutes with memories of the previous weekend before the final whistle finally ensured the points were in the bag, sending the Ladies joint top of the early season table.