1. Seraina and Shekiera shine
Seraina Piubel and Shekiera Martinez were the stars of the show at Chigwell Construction Stadium on Wednesday night.
The pair were both on the scoresheet as they helped West Ham United women’s team to a 2-1 success over Brighton & Hove Albion in the Subway® Women's League Cup.
It was our No77 Piubel who brought us level after Carla Camacho’s 16th-minute opener, scoring her first goal of the season with a clinical finish from close range. The architect? Martinez, who flashed a ball back across goal for her teammate to equalise midway through the first period.
The Claret and Blue Army had to wait until the 75th minute for the winning goal, but the wait was worth it as Martinez swept the ball home after great persistence from substitutes Riko Ueki and Viviane Asseyi.
It was her second goal of the competition and you could see and hear how much it meant to everyone in east London. And the duo couldn’t contain their happiness in their post-match interview!
2. A landmark game for Amber
Defender Amber Tysiak hit 50 appearances for West Ham United on Wednesday night.
The 25-year-old joined the Club in January 2023 and, after an injury-hit first few months in east London, she has become an important leader in Rehanne Skinner’s side.
After leading out the Hammers in our 5-1 rout over Charlton Athletic, Tysiak was handed the captain’s armband at half-time against the Seagulls when Shelina Zadorsky was substituted, and it was the perfect way to celebrate the landmark appearance.
Although she is known for her blocks and tackles, Tysiak remained composed when pressed by two Brighton attackers in the first half, weaving her way out of danger in the penalty area with a brilliant turn before setting her side on the attack.
“I'm very honoured to have played 50 games for this Club,” she said. “I'm really happy to be here and it's just nice to end this with a win.
“It's like a dream for me [to wear the captain’s armband]. It's so nice and it’s a privilege to lead the team out.”
3. Up and running in Dagenham
The win on Wednesday night was also key, as it was our first win at home of the fresh campaign.
Last season was record breaking at Chigwell Construction Stadium, so after a tough start to 2025/26, it was great to experience another brilliant night under the lights in Dagenham.
The players certainly enjoyed it! Take a look at the best celebration pictures in the gallery below!
4. Sitting proudly at the top
Back-to-back wins in the Subway® Women's League Cup gives us a three-point advantage at the top of the Group C standings, meaning we are in the driving seat with only two group games left to play.
The test against the Seagulls was never going to be easy after we were defeated at Broadfield Stadium in September, but Skinner’s side were motivated to put that result to rights, and it culminated in a resilient and spirited performance, fuelled by the togetherness of the team.
It was clear how much the players wanted the three points, as we put our bodies on the line at the very last to secure the victory, with goalkeeper Megan Walsh and defender Eva Nyström making crucial interventions to preserve our lead in second-half stoppage time.
We go again in the cup after the international break with the visit of Southampton to east London. Secure your seat for the game now by clicking HERE!
