Hammers bested by C&K Basildon

Five goals conceded in the first half saw West Ham United Ladies fall to a 7-3 home defeat at the hands of C&K Basildon.

The Irons found themselves 3-0 down early on in the contest and were 5-1 adrift heading into the break after a disappointing opening period, with Molly Peters scoring for the Hammers.

The home side continued to battle in the second half but, despite finishes from Ellie Zoepfl and Rosie Kmita, could not come back against a Basildon side that have now won their last five league games.

The Hammers had a mountain to climb after just 11 minutes of action at Rush Green as Basildon caught out the home side with their first three attacks.

Bowers fired the away team in front from a free-kick in the third minute of the contest, while Basildon had doubled their advantage just moments later through a Revell header.

The task was made even harder when Bowers got her second and her side’s third, after the ball was played into the midfielder, allowing her to slot home.

Despite the deficit West Ham showed sparks of quality. Rosie Kmita’s long-ranged attempt was well saved while Zoe Swift almost caused Basildon to net an own-goal after a mazy run.

The two forwards combined to put pressure on Basildon but the scoreline became 4-0 when Addison broke through the back-line to score just a few minutes before half-time.

There was still time for Basildon to net a fifth before the break as well, as another header found the back of the net through Jay Blackie, although Molly Peters reduced the defecit ahead of the half-time whistle.

Swift was once again involved after the half-time interval as she saw two efforts well saved but Basildon added a sixth – with Bowers getting her hat-trick – not long after.

Zoepfl’s half-volley – a terrific finish from the edge of the area – gave West Ham a second before Rosie Kmita added a third from close range, although the away side had scored their seventh between the two goals.

Zoepfl would also hit the post but it was Basildon who ran out winners following their impressive first half.

West Ham United: Kanto; Mackie, Wheeler, Austin, Auguste; Stobbs (c), Georgiou, Zoepfl, R Kmita; Peters (Cooper’), Swift

Subs not used Chong, Salcedo, Shannon, M Kmita

Goals: Peters 45’, Zoepfl 80’, R Kmita 87’

C&K Basildon: Runnacles, Manning, West, Revell, Duchar-Clark, Rushen, Blackie, Bowers, Nash, Addison, Addison
Subs: Rodney, Stimson, Wakefield

Goals: Bowers 2’ 11’ 67’, Revell 7’, Addison 38’ 83’, Blackie 43’