West Ham United women’s team defender Shelina Zadorsky was disappointed the Hammers were unable to extend our five-match unbeaten run after a 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa at Chigwell Construction Stadium.
Despite an early opener from Ebony Salmon, the Irons managed to turn the game on its head, thanks to goals from Shekiera Martinez - her tenth Barclays Women's Super League goal of the season - and Riko Ueki, but Rachel Daly’s finish three minutes later wiped out our advantage.
After the break, Chasity Grant finished off a slick move by finding the bottom corner underneath Kinga Szemik to put Villa in command, and although it was a largely even second period, Rehanne Skinner’s side were unable to conjure a leveller in their final home game of the season, consigning us to a first loss since March.
Zadorsky was left feeling aggrieved that we were unable to find the equaliser, but she felt that there were positives to take, with the Canada international pointing to our strong home form this season.
“It was a frustrating afternoon,” said Zadorsky. “We created chances, and we knew it was going to be a battle, but I think we know we can be better in certain moments.
“Obviously, as a defender, I'm frustrated with the goals conceded, but on the flip side, we've had great home form this season, so there are positives in the game, but we want to win as much as we can, so it’s a little frustrating.
“I think those are major moments in games (conceding shortly before and after half-time). We got a little exposed in one-on-one situations, and we can reflect on that and clean those moments up, but credit to them (Aston Villa), they're an in-form team right now, and we knew it was going to be tough.
“I'm definitely proud of the people who came on, who impacted the game. I think we had dangerous attacks, and we've been scoring a lot this season. So, obviously I was holding my breath back there [in defence], hoping we could get the job done, but we just have to learn from it and go out with a lot of fire in the last game [against Leicester City].
“It’s frustrating, but on reflection throughout the week, we'll be able to make small changes, and it doesn't take away from the amazing wins we've had and points we've picked up this season.”
After full-time at Chigwell Construction, Zadorsky and her teammates, plus manager Skinner, addressed the crowd to thank them all for the support they have shown the Club this season.
There’s no doubt the fans have also been a decisive factor in the team achieving a record-breaking WSL season at home to date, and Zadorsky stated there is a clear intention to bounce back in their final outing of the season against Leicester City at King Power Stadium next Saturday.
“I think we bounce back from this, and then we find a way to win in the next game," stated Zadorsky.
“It was massive [to have that moment with the fans after full-time], and also we'll take that out of today.
“I think being able to thank the fans and share the pitch with them for the last time this season was important because they've been huge for us, and we want to keep growing the fan base.
“We're really thankful for all the fans who've supported us all season through the highs and lows because it's a real difference maker.”
