Colchester United Ladies 1-3 West Ham United Ladies
The Hammers are on the verge of a place in the FA Women's Premier League Cup second round after a convincing away win at Colchester United.
The 3-1 success on Sunday means only a victory by a four-goal margin by Queen's Park Rangers against top-flight side Barnet when they meet would deny West Ham qualification from the group stage.
It had not seemed so straightforward in the first half against the Us, with both skipper Nat Grafton and striker Nina Downham limped out of action because of injury. However, a goal from Becky Merritt settled nerves on the hour before Carly Roache doubled the advantage on 71 minutes.
Colchester quickly hit back to make it a tense finish but Jo Wosahlo kept a cool head to convert a late penalty to put the game beyond doubt.