Forward Ffion Morgan cannot wait to step out in front of the Claret and Blue faithful at Chigwell Construction Stadium for the first time when West Ham United women's team host Arsenal in their first Barclays Women’s Super League home fixture of the fresh campaign on Friday night.
The Gunners will make the short trip to Dagenham for a London derby under the lights as Rehanne Skinner’s side look to bounce back from their opening-day defeat to Tottenham Hotspur with a positive performance.
Despite creating some good openings, the east Londoners fell the wrong side of a 1-0 scoreline after Bethany England netted a late penalty to snatch the three points in the capital.
Wales international Morgan, who became our second signing of the summer in July, replaced Seraina Piubel just after the hour mark last weekend, and made her presence known - darting down the right-hand side and delivering teasing crosses into the penalty area.
While it was not the result that the No23 wanted on her Irons debut, it was still a proud moment for her nonetheless in front of her family.
“It was really nice to make my debut for the Club,” she said. “My parents made the trip up to London for it as well, so for me personally, I was happy.
“[The message after the Tottenham game has been] to focus on ourselves. We had good spells. We don't think that we should have come away with no points at all from Sunday, so we just want to put it right on Friday, and do it in front of the fans as well.
“I’m looking forward to getting out in front of the fans in my first game in Dagenham. Hopefully we can get three points and put on a show in the first home game of the season.”
Coming on as a second-half substitute, Morgan played a part in West Ham’s pre-season friendly with Arsenal at Mangata Developments Stadium Meadow Park in August, in which the home side secured a 2-0 victory. Skinner’s side will be able to use the friendly in their preparations for the league fixture, but are prioritising themselves ahead of the clash in Dagenham.
“I think it's hard [to analyse a game] in pre-season as there's a lot of changes to the teams and squads,” said Morgan, 25.
“I guess for us it's a new game, a different game. Obviously it helps having played them a couple of weeks before, but we’re just focusing on ourselves and where we think we can exploit them, and hopefully we can do that.
“[Playing under the lights] somehow seems like more of an occasion! The game's no different, but it's later in the evening and the whole day is spent building up to the game."
Moving from Bristol City, Morgan has quickly adapted to her new life in London, courtesy of the warm welcome she received from her teammates.
“I've thrown myself head first into the London life!” she added. “I love the city, I love the people and the girls here have been great. They’ve made me feel so welcome so early on. I feel part of the team as if I've been here for years. It's really nice.”
