Cup cheer for Ladies

West Ham United Ladies returned to winning ways at the weekend with a 5-0 demolition of Barking on Sunday after going down to heavyweight opponents Arsenal last week.

The Hammers were back on song in the Essex FA County Cup quarter-finals at Thurrock FC with Jess Barling, Nina Downham, Zoe Marshall and Holly Griffin all in target in the first half. Gemma Shepherd rounded out the scoring after the interval to set up a last-four date with Colchester United next Sunday.

The win made up in part for the 2-0 defeat last Wednesday against Arsenal in the London FA County Cup. Rachel Yankey and Laura Bruton scored in each half but despite the result, the performance against such an elite side underlined the progress this campaign for Tony Marshall's team.