Izzy Atkinson was delighted to make an impact of the bench and grab the winning goal in West Ham United women’s team’s 2-1 victory over Charlton Athletic in their Continental Tyres League Cup fixture on Wednesday evening.
The Republic of Ireland international found the back of the net on 77 minutes, putting Rehanne Skinner’s side into the lead having come back from behind against the Addicks on a wet and windy night at Chigwell Construction Stadium.
Carla Humphrys had put the away side ahead on 20 minutes after the Irons had failed to clear their lines, but after a below par first 25 minutes, the team in Claret & Blue grew into the game and began creating chances.
After half-time, Atkinson entered the fray, and the Irons settled into a rhythm that saw them dominate the play and create chances, so it was no real surprise when Emma Harries opened the scoring just before the hour mark.
Atkinson then made it 2-1 with just over ten minutes of normal time remaining, bursting into space and slotting the ball beyond Sian Rogers at her near post. The 22-year-old spoke about the team’s perseverance to find an eventual winner when speaking to whufc.com at the full-time whistle.
“Happy days,” the winger smiled. “When you come back from behind and go onto win the game it’s always a nice feeling. All of the girls are happy with the result, but we know there’s aspects of our performance where we can improve.
“I’ve been hungry to help make an impact for the team and I’m really pleased that I’ve come off the bench and been able to do so by scoring the winning goal. I saw the ‘keeper leaving a little gap at her front post, and I’ve took the shot and it’s gone in, so I’m really happy.”
The Hammers were made to work by the Championship side in the first half but managed to create more chances and find more success just before half time and into the second half, as the team went on to make it two wins from their first three matches under new boss, Rehanne Skinner.
Atkinson revealed that she has enjoyed working under the new manager so far, and is excited to see how the team will continue to grow under her stewardship.
“I think Rehanne has been great! There’s a really honest trust between manager and players that we’re enjoying having. We have honest conversations about the good and the bad things, and she’s putting the ownership on us to try and work things out for ourselves in games.
“Everyone is enjoying being coached by her, and there’s a feeling of trust between players and coaching staff. I’m loving working under her and I’m excited to see how we continue improving.
“She’s giving us a lot of confidence and letting us be brave with our play, and we can take the confidence of back-to-back wins into the game against Chelsea on Saturday.”
