West Ham United Ladies 1-0 Crystal Palace Ladies
A first-half strike from midfielder Lindsay Morgan was enough for West Ham United Ladies to gain their first home points of the season.
The club have been playing at Harlow Town this campaign but had to wait until the fifth game to take a first victory at the impressive venue. It sets them up nicely for a run of away trips, beginning with Millwall at Carshalton this Sunday followed by a game at Keynsham.
Manager Tony Marshall was delighted with Sunday's victory, not least as it showed a continuation of the form seen with the creditable 4-1 defeat by the might of Everton in the League Cup second round last week. "This win was a long time coming and it is like a big weight has been lifted," he said. "Whilst the girls had proved themselves in recent performances against top sides, we did have a psychological problem.
"Full credit to Palace, both sides battled but I am delighted that we have got our first home win. Hopefully we can now move onwards and upwards." The next home game will be against last-placed Reading Royals on Sunday 18 November. Kick-off at Harlow Town is 2pm.
West Ham United Ladies: Paris Smith, Carly Roache, Jess Barling, Grace Coombs, Hannah Gilmour (Lauren White 75), Dani Hoy (Clare Rogers 55), Lindsey Morgan, Katy Ling, Sam Pittuck, Tracey Duxbury, Natalie Grafton (Emma Harrison 65).
Sub not used: Toni Munro