West Ham United Ladies continued their pre-season programme with a respectable 4-2 pre-season defeat by FA Women's Premier League National Division side Watford at Chadwell Heath.
Despite kick-off of being delayed due to the Olympic Torch passing through neighbouring streets, the game didn't take long to come to life. Irene Garcia put the visitors ahead with a 25-yard strike, and the Hornets extended their lead inside ten minutes when Sarah Wiltshire converted from the penalty spot.
The Hammers reacted well and almost pulled one back as Becky Merritt's long-range effort flew wide just before the first of the three 30-minute spells came to a close.
West Ham continued to press after the first break and halved their deficit when Lindsey Morgan played a sumptuous ball to Kelley Morgan, who finished with aplomb.
The next goal would be crucial and both sides went close, with the crossbar being hit at each end, but unfortunately it was Watford who struck lucky as Paige Logie's header restored their two-goal cushion.
The third and final spell saw the pace drop as Watford played keep ball and, as the Hammers begin to tire, Emma Beckett took full advantage by heading home from a corner to make it 4-1.
Julia Setford's team showed admirable spirit, however, and it was Morgan who rounded off the scoring, finishing from close range to make the final scoreline 4-2.
West Ham complete their pre-season schedule with two more tough tests against National Division opposition. After a weekend off, the Ladies return to action when they host Aston Villa at Ship Lane on Sunday 5 August.
A week later, on Sunday 12 August, the Hammers travel to Charlton Athletic before commencing their FA Women's Premier League Southern Division campaign at Millwall Lionesses on Sunday 19 August. All three fixtures will kick-off at 2pm.