Bill Robinson reports…………….
A second half performance which destroyed the Saints defence saw the Hammers pull off a fantastic morale boosting win just one week away from the league season.
West Ham always looked to be in control with both Emma Thomas and Tracy Duxford causing the Saints defence plenty of problems up front.
The Hammers took the lead in the 21st minute when Claire Rogers broke down the right her cross was met by Carly Roache who side footed home the opening goal.
The Saints responded well but could not to get past the Hammers central defenders
Rosy Sullivan and Natalie Grafton as they controlled the final third.
Tracy Duxford was next on the score sheet after 32 minutes of play, Emma Thomas was instrumental in the build up and when the ball was played through to Duxford she struck a sweet shot across goal and into the far corner of the net.
The second half saw Nina Downham come into the attack and was straight into action when she struck the bar with a right footed shot on 50 minutes.
Four minutes later she made a fine run down the right before threading the ball across and into the Saints penalty area Gemma Shepherd collected the ball but was challenged by a Saints defender the ball ran back to Nina who turned and struck the ball home.
Just two minutes later the Nina Downham show continued when she collected her second and West Ham’s fourth, this time collecting the ball about eight yards from goal simply turning her defender and striking another firm shot home.
Jo Woodgate had come on to replace Ruby Sullivan at the back, and on 64 minutes from a Emma Thomas corner she had a thundering header strike and rattle the Saints crossbar with everyone grounded and watching as the ball as it rebounded back into play.
With just over a quarter of an hour left on the clock the Hammers scored three more times, twice from Gemma Shepherd on 72 and 83 minutes the first goal from about 22 yards with pin point accuracy into the top corner of the net giving the keeper no chance.
The final goal came in added time with a solo run by Emma Thomas who struck a fine shot across the keeper and into the far corner of the net.
Next up for the Hammers is the start of the League season with a Home game next Sunday at Thurrock FC against Colchester United.
