Topping the Women’s League Cup scoring charts with ten goals from two breathtaking victories, West Ham United women's team and goalkeeper Megan Walsh are determined to end the group stage with a 100 per cent record and clinch top spot in Group C tonight.
The shot-stopper has had a front-row seat to witness Rehanne Skinner’s side put Portsmouth and London City Lionesses to the sword in their two Group C fixtures so far in the competition, which the Hammers won by 6-1 and 4-1 scorelines respectively.
Against London City, who were beaten by a brace from Viviane Asseyi and goals from Manuela Paví and Riko Ueki just over two weeks ago, Walsh showed her class and experience - dominating her penalty area, instructing her defence and claiming crosses that threatened her six-yard box.
And while the Hammers are in a commanding position at the summit of Group C, Walsh wants her side to remain fully focused for the visit of second-placed Southampton tonight, as the Irons target a third win from as many matches.
“I think we’re looking to get nine points out of nine,” said the Hammers’ No25. “We’ve shown the quality that we have in front of goal in the past two League Cup games, so we’re looking to do that again, at home.
“It’s a quick turnaround from the Crystal Palace game, but we're now looking forward to the match with Southampton.
“Against London City Lionesses, I think the conditions were challenging. In the first half it was quite competitive because we couldn’t really get out because of the wind, but in the second half I think we controlled the ball and did well to finish the game well.
“Those games are always nice. As a goalkeeper [ to the attackers] you’re just like ‘you lot keep the ball, keep doing what you’re doing!’”
The 30-year-old, who joined the Irons in the summer of 2023, is yet to feature in the Barclays Women’s Super League this term but has impressed when called upon in the Women’s League Cup, and she is waiting in the wings should Skinner require her services in any competitions.
It’s summer arrival Kinga Szemik who has taken the place in between the sticks in the WSL so far, and Walsh has been impressed with the Poland international’s performances in her maiden campaign in England’s top flight.
“She’s been doing well this season,” said Walsh. “It’s always nice to have a good goalkeeping group, working with each other so closely each day, it’s really good.
“[The goalkeeping union] is really strong, there’s a good mix of different characters which is really nice.”
Following the weekend’s enthralling 5-2 win over Crystal Palace and tonight’s League Cup tie with Southampton, Skinner’s outfit travel to Aston Villa on Sunday, and Walsh and her teammates will be itching to finish strongly in their final match before the Christmas break.
Megan Walsh's favourites...
Band or Artist
Bruce Springsteen. I’ve seen him twice, in Dublin and at Wembley.
Box Set or TV Series
Grey’s Anatomy or Game of Thrones.
Favourite Film
Probably the Grinch, and I don’t have to watch it at Christmas, I can watch it anytime.
Phone App
Probably Instagram.
Computer Game
Probably FIFA. But Me and Viv [Asseyi] have both got a Nintendo Switch, and we play Mario Kart on that.
Other Sport
I played Netball in school, as a centre, which was basically what I do now, catching the ball!
Other Sport to Watch
I don’t tend to watch any other sports, but I watched the Olympics when that was on which was really enjoyable.
Sports Star
The only one would be Rachel Brown-Finnis, being a women’s goalkeeper.
Teammate
It probably has to be Emma Harries.
Ground to Play At
I love playing in Dagenham in front of our fans, but playing at Villa Park is nice, as I’m a Villa fan.
Match You’ve Been to Watch
I can’t remember the year or the score, but it was when Villa men played Brighton away from home and won. It must’ve been two or three years ago. That, or when Manchester City played Brighton at the end of last season.
Match You’ve Played In
When I was playing for Brighton and we beat Chelsea away from home. It was freezing, it was snowing but we won 2-1!
Meal
Chinese, or a roast dinner, obviously.
Chocolate Bar
It’s got to be a Twirl.
