Paul Konchesky made a perfect start to life as a manager.
The former West Ham United and England full-back was taking charge of his first competitive match of West Ham United Women - as they beat Everton 1-0 at the Chigwell Construction Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
In a tightly contested match in East London, Lisa Evans's goal was the difference, with the winger heading home just before the break.
And Konchesky's team would stand firm to keep a clean sheet and take all three points on the opening weekend of the Barclays Women's Super League season.
The boss reflected on a good afternoon's work from his side...
Paul, three points on the board and a clean sheet in your first game of the season as manager, it doesn't get much better than that does it?
It was fantastic to get the win and a clean sheet! It's a proud moment for me, but the girls are what really made me proud today.
Did you think it was a tough contest out there today?
Yeah, it was. I knew the game was going be frantic, especially in the first half, especially as it was a new environment for a lot of our new signings. I think with the first game of the season you tend to play off of adrenaline and some of the tactics go out the window a little bit, and I think we saw that in the first half. But I think we controlled the second half really well, and I'm pleased for the girls to have got a 1-0 win.
There were a lot of new players out there today. How do you think they did?
I thought they were all fantastic today. I think they proved why I bought them in and what West Ham means to them already.
And is it a big confidence builder for the girls to come away, not only with the win, but also a clean sheet?
Yeah, obviously the three points is fantastic, but to keep a clean sheet is too! Especially for the defenders and the goalkeeper, as they build their confidence off. And hopefully we can take that confidence into next week, not just the back five but the whole squad. We want to make this ground into a fortress that people don't want to come and play us in! If we can grind out results, like today's 1-0 then we'll take that all day.
It was a game a few chances and that chance came from hard work and perseverance and getting the ball into the box for Lisa Evans to head home...
Yeah, that goal proves what we are about as a Club; we're hard working and we want to stay in the game. If we don't put the pressure on, then we don't get the corners and we don't score goals. So if we can play like we did today every week then I think we're going to have a very good season.
Looking ahead to Manchester United, how do you feel going into that game?
We are at home again and I think you always find yourself at home anyway. We're coming off the back of a 1-0 win and so confidence should be really high now. We're trying really hard this week because we know it's going be a tough game but we'll be looking forward it!
West Ham United Women now prepare to face Manchester United on Sunday - their second home match in succession!
Tickets are on sale now and start from as little as £13 for adults and £5 for concessions!
