West Ham United Ladies are still firmly in the hunt for promotion after a 2-1 defeat of FA Women's Premier League Southern Division leaders Colchester United.
The Hammers are four points adrift of Colchester, who have finished their fixtures with Sunday's match at Thurrock. It means four points from the last two games would see West Ham overhaul their opponents, although Portsmouth have three games to play and are just a point behind in third place.
With only a victory doing for Julia Setford's team, it was a nervy opening on a pitch that had been passed fit in the morning after midweek rain and then frost had threatened to cause a postponement. With several players nursing injuries and striker Gemma Shepherd ruled out, the Hammers may have cursed the thaw that allowed the game to go ahead but come the final whistle were delighted with the outcome.
Chances were few and far between in the opening stages. Nikki Duncan showed good handling to save a shot from the left as Colchester's forwards rushed in and Lindsey Morgan saw her long-range volley gathered by the Colchester keeper as the match became very much a determined midfield battle.
Duncan saved bravely as Kate Longhurst looked to get on the end of a through-ball which saw both players receive lengthy treatment before the deadlock was finally broken just after the half-hour mark. The Hammers had won a free-kick 30 yards out and Jess Barling's lofted delivery saw the ball glanced in off a defender's head.
The second half saw an early onslaught from Colchester but the Hammers weathered the attack well with Danica Revel and Rosey Sullivan excelling at the back and Duncan again showing safe hands diving at her near post.
A single-goal lead looked precarious and the Hammers pushed on for a second of their own, which duly arrived when Jess Barling overlapped on the left flank. Skilfully slipping past two tackles, she sent in a low left-footed cross that flew across the six-yard box and was again turned in by a retreating defender.
The Hammers midfield three worked tirelessly to protect the lead as Colchester pushed players forward to try and get back in the game but when they finally made the breakthrough with a low shot to the far corner there was little time remaining.
With some sensible hold-up play from substitute Emma Harrison which almost created a late chance for April Bowers, the points were secured.
The Hammers are next in action on 8 January away to Chichester United in the FA Cup before travelling to Queen's Park Rangers on 22 January. The league will then conclude with the 4 March visit of Brighton and Hove Albion, with other cup fixtures to be played in between.