Martin Ho was delighted with his side’s performance at both ends of the pitch as we kicked off our Barclays Women’s Super League campaign with a 1-0 win over West Ham United on Sunday.
As we began our seventh season in England’s top flight with a London derby at Brisbane Road, it was always going to be a cagey affair and it took a late winner from Bethany England to secure the three points on the opening day.
Our captain fired home from the spot with four minutes remaining on the clock to record a winning start for our new Head Coach in his first game in charge and in front of our supporters, with over 1,500 in attendance on the afternoon.
While, at the other end, Tōko Koga - on her competitive debut for the Club – and Clare Hunt put in solid performances in central defence to help us preserve a clean sheet, with many boxes ticked for Martin in the opening game.
Speaking to SPURSPLAY after the game, he said: “I thought we started the game really well, with a lot of conviction and execution in what we wanted. Off the ball, we were really good for the first half-an-hour and maybe towards the back end of the first half, we dropped off a little bit and just needed to be a bit more front-footed and not concede space.
“In the second half, I thought we came out really well. We started positively, we were on the front foot, trying to be progressive. West Ham are hard to break down, so we had to be patient and wait for those small moments. I thought the game would be won on something like that.
“I thought we deserved it. We pushed the game more than they did, we were more aggressive. They looked to play on the counter, and I thought we dealt with that really well. I couldn’t have asked for more… I’m delighted.
Martin on the importance of fighting until the end
“In the first half, we had new opportunities where we broke into the attacking third, crossed or shot, but it went wide or over. We were controlling the game in large moments. You just need one of those chances to go in. Thankfully, Eveliina did really well in the box, drew the contact, and Bethany put the penalty away really late on. That shows composure and class. And, of course, a clean sheet at the other end is just as pleasing on the opening day.”
Martin on preserving the clean sheet on the opening day
“As a coach, you want to win games but, more importantly, you want to do it with a defensive performance like we had. From back to front, we were good. The blocks in front of goal, the determination, the commitment, the passion to step in and not allow easy shots was brilliant. We had to do that in parts of the first half, and I thought we did exceptionally well. A clean sheet is just as important as a win and a goal. We have to build on that now.”
Martin on his first game in front of the supporters
“Outstanding. The fans were cheering, encouraging us, pushing us, even trying to help us make decisions! It was really nice. You want more fans like that to come out more often. It’s about building the fan base, building a community that supports us, and giving young girls the chance to showcase themselves, while also watching role models on the pitch who inspire them to achieve their own dreams. I want to make sure this fan base continues to grow. We’ll keep bringing energy, commitment, and desire for these fans, so they keep coming back.”