Bill Robinson reports from Broad Lane…..
The FA Premier League Cup.
Colchester United Ladies 1 West Ham Ladies 3
West Ham travelled up the A12 to Colchester for their final league cup fixture before the competition reverts back into knockout stages, knowing that a good win should be sufficient to take them through.
With injuries and illness affecting the whole team, manager Julia Setford was glad that she had built a squad that included a number of players who are flexible enough to play most positions on the park.
After only ten minutes of play Natalie Grafton had to be substituted due to illness being replaced by Joanne Woodgates, the shape also had to be shuffled but to good effect as the back four looked solid.
Colchester had the rain and wind at their backs in the first half but failed to capitalise on their greater possession and the teams went into the break just as they had started at 0-0.
The second half saw the Hammers start to exert their superiority and gradually ground down the U’s resistance.
The first goal came from Becky Merritt quickly followed by a second from Carly Roache and despite their dominance West Ham found chances difficult to create.
Colchester pulled one goal back in a rare excursion into the West Ham half but the two goal lead was restored when Joanne Wosahlo converted a penalty.
The win should see them into the knockout stages, but due to the QPR v Barnet game being postponed we will have to wait for the rescheduled game. Only an unlikely defeat for Barnet by a large margin would stop the Hammers progressing.
Next week its back to league action at home to Cardiff City at Ship Lane KO 2:00pm.
West Ham: Toni-Anne Wayne, Jess Barling, Danica Revell, Rosey Sullivan, Tracy Duxbury, Joanne Wosahlo, Carly Roache, Natalie Grafton, Nina Downham, Becky Merritt, Gemma Shepherd.
Subs: Joanne Woodgates, Clare Rogers, Ruby Southgate.
