FA Women’s Super League
Victoria Road, Dagenham
Admission: £12.00
Programme: £2.00
Attendance: 1,475
Ahead of my afternoon game at The Valley, when I noticed this morning game to be played at Dagenham & Redbridge’s home ground, a venue I have not visited since 2014, I decided to book my ticket online and look forward to a long day of football.
For West Ham Womens' games at Victoria Road, the covered terrace along one length and uncovered terrace behind one goal are both out of bounds, leaving the large all-seater stand behind the other goal, as well the two stands along the remaining length, available for spectators. I chose a seat on the main stand.
I had already watched West Ham Women this season, back on the opening day when they slipped to a 2-0 defeat at Brighton. They are having a reasonable season though, coming into this game in seventh place in the twelve club division, following six wins and six draws from their 18 league games. Manchester City Women have not finished outside the top two since 2015, but that impressive record looks sure to be broken this season, as they are currently in fourth place, following ten wins and two draws from their 15 league games, and are eight points adrift of second placed Arsenal, but are only three points adrift of third placed Manchester United, and have played a game less, with third place offering qualification for the Champions League. West Ham would be looking to seal the double over Manchester City today, having won 2-0 in the reverse fixture back in early October.
On a bright but chilly morning, the visitors took the lead with 7 minutes on the clock, when a poor touch by West Ham defender Hawa Cissoko just outside the penalty area allowed Manchester City's Lauren Hemp to take possession, and quickly work the ball around the box before Hayley Raso pulled the ball back for Georgia Stanway to drill the ball low through a crowd and inside the far post. The rest of the half was even, if anything West Ham looked the more threatening but just couldn't convert their chances.
Into the second half and West Ham were still well in the game and looked quite dangerous on the break, until Manchester City doubled their advantage on 61 minutes. Caroline Weir drove in a shot from the edge of the area which forced a flying save from the West Ham keeper, but from the resultant corner, Khadija Shaw firmly headed home from six yards out. That did prove to be the decisive goal, as Manchester City went on to control the remainder of the game, looking more likely to score again as, although West Ham continued battling away and did moint a couple of attacks, they never really threatened to get back in the game.
Video highlights of this game can be viewed by clicking here
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