Young Hammers pushed the whole way

With there manager/coach Dave Maslen attending a FA course this weekend it was left to Colin Bennett to take charge of West Hams under 10 squad today
A quarter-final cup game against a much improved Writtle Minors. Last time out saw a one sided victory for the girls but this time was a completely different story with victory coming in the second half of extra time. From the off Writtle were made to defend even though West Ham were kicking up the slope into a very strong wind but Writtle stood firm and ensured they always had plenty of players behind the ball. West Ham forced many corners and many last ditch challenges but just could not find any clear cut openings. Sindi Kanto in goal was a spectator for large parts of the game but when called upon she dealt well with any threat. Olivia Smith and Tessa O’Connor were never bothered at the back and were able to launch attacks themselves deep into the opposition half. In midfield Madeline O’Connor was having a great game and worked tirelessly throughout. Isobel Mills was central to all the best West Ham attacks and Imogen Bennett worked up and down the pitch keeping the pressure on the Writtle area. Grace Hill was surrounded every time she went forward but kept working away and she was rewarded for her hard work with a goal to secure the win and a semi-final place. The team was cheered on throughout by Carson Barry and Rhianne Holmes was very strong in defense playing really well and keeping their one striker very quiet. Finally Morgan Ferguson posed a threat every time she got the ball and Writtle had to work very hard to keep her at arms length.
I had the pleasure of taking the team today and they made me very welcome and worked very hard for me from the warm up right through the game and extra time. They kept plugging away at a very resolute Writtle defense and so thank you all for being so great.
Colin (coach for the day)