All-square between Hammers’ and Foxes

West Ham United Women v Leicester City Women – FA Women’s Super League – Chigwell Construction Stadium – Report

West Ham United Women 1-1 Leicester City Women 

Having finally put their FAWSL relegation concerns behind them last weekend, West Ham were held to a 1-1 draw by Leicester City at the Chigwell Construction Stadium, despite Riko Ueki giving the hosts an early lead.

Rehanne Skinner made one change to her starting line-up with Anouk Denton replacing Shelina Zadorsky following the Hammers’ draw at Aston Villa.

Despite a nervy start, Honoka Hayashi slipped in fellow Japanese international Ueki to drive low past Leicester City keeper Janina Leitzig to put the Hammers 1-0 up in the thirteenth minute, only for the Foxes to restore parity when Sophie Howard powerfully nodded home Jutta Rantala’s corner shortly before the break.

West Ham went close early in the second half when Viviane Asseyi headed Jessica Ziu’s cross just inches past the upright but as the game progressed, it was the visitors who were starting to look the more likely victors with Janice Cayman having a ‘goal’ disallowed after Lena Petermann was adjudged to have fouled Hayashi in the build-up.

With the Foxes constantly applying pressure on the West Ham defence, keeper Mackenzie Arnold was twice called into action to impressively deny Saori Takaranda’s close-range volley before palming away Yuka Momiki’s effort shortly after.

Despite half chances for both sides in the final stages, neither were able to force a further breakthrough as the points were shared.

West Ham conclude their FAWSL campaign against Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, May 18.    

West Ham United: Arnold (Capt) Smith, Cissoko, Tysiak, Shimizu, Denton (Zadorsky 90 +3′) Hayashi (Bergman-Lundin 67′) Snerle (Harries 46′) Ziu (Cooke 80′) Ueki (Ademiluyi 90+3′) Asseyi Subs not used: Walsh, O’Hanlon

Leicester City: Leitzig, Tierney, Howard, Rantala, Petermann, Cayman, Ale, Takarada (Bott 75′) Thibaud, Goodwin (Baker 75′) Momiki Subs not used: Kop, Nevin, Palmer, Whelan, Green, Pelgander, Siemsen

Referee: Abigail Byrne

Assistants: Sophie Dennington and Nicoleta Bria

Fourth Official: Lisa Benn

Attendance: 1,904