West Ham United women’s head coach Matt Beard is delighted with how his team responded to going a goal behind against Lewes on Sunday.
An eighth minute header by Danielle Lane put the FA Championship side in front in the Continental Tyres Cup match at Rush Green Stadium, but the Irons fought back to claim a 4-1 win.
The home side levelled through an excellent strike by Jane Ross – who also ended the scoring with a penalty in the second half – while Leanne Kiernan also found the goal with a sensational effort from distance.
Julia Simic also found the back of the net, to secure a first victory of the season for the Irons.
I’m pleased with some of the football we played today. We’re starting to see some of the patterns come off and the belief in what we are doing is growing
Matt Beard
And Beard was happy with how his team continued to press despite conceding the early goal.
“I was pleased with the start, although we were disappointed to concede from a set play,” Beard told West Ham TV. “Lewes do that corner time and time again and they get success from it, but it’s frustrating from our end. I felt we responded well, and as the first half went on and we got our first goal, we grew in confidence.
“I’m pleased with some of the football we played today. We’re starting to see some of the patterns come off and the belief in what we are doing is growing.
“I think our use of the ball was better today. I felt that the work we’ve put in on the training pitch showed. Today is another learning process though. Our midfield three connected a lot better today and I think interchanging and movement was better. That’s lessons learned from last week and the work we’ve put in during training this past week.”
Having played for the last two weeks, the Irons will now be without a competitive fixture until Sunday 16 September, when the Hammers return to action in the Continental Tyres Cup.
A number of West Ham players will go on international duty, and Beard revealed the side will continue to work on improving fitness ahead of the return to action.
He added: “We’ve got a few players away on international duty so the next few weeks gives us a chance to work with some individuals on stuff we need to work on.
“For me, people like Ria Percival and Kate Longhurst just need to build their fitness, having come into pre-season late. We will utilise the time to work with our individuals. It’s smaller numbers but the girls will work hard, and we wish everyone going on international duty good luck.”