West Ham United Ladies began 2018 with a well-earned point after a goalless draw with Gillingham Ladies.
A difficult match for Karen Ray’s side was mainly fought in midfield as both teams looked to take the advantage. The best effort of the first half fell to the away team as a free-kick just went wide.
Chloe Burr tested Gillingham’s shot-stopper on a number of occasions while Andria Georgiou’s own free-kick also came close to opening the scoring.
But the game ended without a goal despite a push from West Ham in the final few moments.
The first half of a close contest at Rush Green was lacking in quality chances, with both sides battling in midfield for long periods of the opening 45 minutes.
The away side got the first of the game as Gillingham earned a corner in the tenth minute, while Burr saw an effort fly over the bar after Amy Cooper played an excellent ball across the field.
The winger also attempted a speculative volley from the edge of the area and Amber Stobbs continued to put pressure on the Gillingham defence from a false nine position.
But the best effort of the first half was for Gillingham. Jack Wheeler’s side saw a free-kick from 25 yards skim the far post.
The second period started with a similar effort for the Irons as Georgiou had a decent free-kick that went wide of the woodwork.
The midfielder also forced as save from the Gilingham goalkeeper while Burr also saw a shot from 10 yards tipped away for a corner.
The introduction of Molly Peters up front brought some speed to the Hammers front line, with West Ham enjoying the best chances and the Gills defending sternly.
But, despite some terrific pressure from the home side in the closing exchanges, the game ended goalless, leaving both sides with a share of the points.
West Ham United XI: Staunton; Mackie, Wheeler, Austin, Auguste; Chong (Wealthall 89’), Georgiou, Cooper ©; Burr (Perters 64’), Stobbs, R Kmita
Subs not used: Mabey, M Kmita