West Ham United continued to rack up valuable minutes as the beginning of the new season edges closer, drawing 2-2 at Lewes in their latest pre-season outing on Sunday.
It was an entertaining contest at The Dripping Pan, with the home side scoring twice in the first half, but Claudia Walker pulled a goal back early in the second half to set up an exciting finale. Then, with three minutes to go, the Irons' new No9 slotted in her second of the afternoon to bring the scores level.
Mackenzie Arnold returned between the sticks, having spent this summer at the Tokyo Olympics with Australia and enjoying some well-earned time off before returning to Chadwell Heath.
Dagný Brynjarsdóttir led the side out as captain, with the Hammers sporting the 2021/22 Away shirt for the first time. And it was the Iceland international who had the game’s opening chance, forcing Lewes goalkeeper Shanell Salgado into a good save after heading a corner ball on target.
Three minutes later and Brynjarsodttir once again caused chaos in the Lewes area, connecting sweetly with a volley that landed just wide of the post.
But it was Lewes who opened the scoring against the run of play with eight minutes gone, Kallie Balfour latching onto the end of a good ball in from the right-hand side.
Mel Filis looked to get her side level with 15 minutes on the clock, but her shot was again kept out by Salgado.
The Hammers then seized on a mistake at the back from the home side, but Kate Longhurst was unable to guide her shot beyond the onrushing defender.
But once again, Lewes were ready to punish West Ham on the counter - the home side ran in behind once again and Balfour added her second with 32 minutes gone.
Walker had done well in the first half to bring her teammates into the game, and her good work was nearly rewarded with a goal, but her chipped effort landed on the roof of the net.
More good work followed from as Mel Filis delivered a super cross onto the laces of Longhurst only for her effort to be blocked on the line.
Gilly Flaherty and Grace Fisk were brought on at half-time, replacing Lucy Parker and Grace Garrad.
West Ham finally and deservedly had the ball in the back of the net on 51 minutes, as Walker latched onto an error at the back from the Lewes ‘keeper and walked the ball into the empty net.
The pressure continued, as Lois Joel fired over after arriving late on the edge of the penalty area.
And the Hammers found the equaliser with thtee minutes of the 90 remaining, as Walker added her second after a great ball in from substitute Zaneta Wyne.
The full-time whistle sounded to end a strong contest, with the Hammers gaining more valuable minutes in the tank.
West Ham United: Arnold, Garrad (Fisk 46), Cissoko, Parker (Flaherty 46), Joel (Wyne 70), Stringer, Longhurst, Brynjarsdottir (c), Evans, Filis, Walker.
Unused subs: Leat (GK), Cairns
Goals: Walker 51, 87
