WEST HAM UNITED
FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES &
Memorabilia through the Decade
theyflysohigh : Steve Marsh
A Pictorial History
2019-20 Barclays FA Women's Super League
Manager: Matt Beard
The 2019–20 FA WSL season (also known as the Barclays FA Women's Super League for sponsorship reasons) was the ninth edition of the FA Women's Super League (WSL) since it was formed in 2010. It was the second season after the rebranding of the four highest levels in English women's football and the twelve teams contesting the season was the greatest number in the league's history to date, following a steady increase from the original eight. It is the first under the new Barclays title sponsorship following a landmark multi-million pound investment.
ARSENAL
Boreham Wood FC
1 - 2 (Thomas)
8 September 2019
Att: 1,795
Brosnan
Simon (Kvamme)
Flaherty
Vetterlein
Baunach
Middag (Galabadaarachchi)
Cho
Dali
Leon (Lehmann)
Thomas
Longhurst
West Ham United’s 2019/20 season opener ended in a narrow 2–1 defeat to reigning champions Arsenal, despite a spirited performance. The hosts led 2–0 at half-time through Beth Mead’s long-range strike and Jill Roord’s composed finish, but Martha Thomas pulled one back with a deserved header just before the hour.
The Irons started brightly, with Thomas bursting through early and Kenza Dali curling just wide. Kate Longhurst also went close, but Mead’s opener on 14 minutes shifted momentum. Thomas remained West Ham’s main threat, while Tessel Middag forced a save from Manuela Zinsberger.
Roord doubled Arsenal’s lead before the break, but West Ham responded well. Adriana Leon struck the bar, and Thomas converted Erin Simon’s cross to halve the deficit. The Hammers pushed for an equaliser, with Dali twice denied by the woodwork from late free-kicks, but Arsenal held on.
Arsenal:
Zinsberger; Maier (Quinn), Schnaderbeck (Nobbs), Beattie, McCabe; Williamson, Little, Roord, Evans, Mead; Van de Donk
BIRMINGHAM CITY
Rush Green
1 - 0 (Leon)
15 September 2019
Att: 1,478
Brosnan
Simon (Kvamme)
Flaherty
Thomas
Baunach (Hendrix)
Longhurst
Galabadaarachchi (Lehmann)
Leon
Cho
Dali
Vetterlein
West Ham United Women secured their first win of the Barclays FAWSL season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Birmingham City in front of 1,478 fans at a sun-drenched Rush Green. Adriana Leon’s composed 27th-minute finish, her first of the campaign, proved decisive. The Canadian pounced after Martha Thomas’s cutback and Kate Longhurst’s blocked shot fell kindly in the box. It was a deserved reward for a dominant first-half display, with Leon and teenager Jacynta Galabadaarachchi both testing Birmingham keeper Hannah Hampton.
The visitors had their moments too - Abbi Grant forced an early save from Courtney Brosnan, and Lucy Staniforth fired into the side-netting after a West Ham lapse. After the break, Birmingham pressed harder, with Chloe Arthur and Claudia Walker threatening, but Brosnan stood firm, producing a string of vital saves and commanding her area with authority.
Substitute Alisha Lehmann injected fresh energy, while Thomas nearly doubled the lead late on, narrowly missing after racing clear. Staniforth came agonisingly close to an equaliser, her deflected strike rattling the bar before Brosnan gathered on the line.
West Ham’s experienced defence, led by Vetterlein and Flaherty, held firm under late pressure to preserve the clean sheet and lift Matt Beard’s side to fifth in the table after two rounds.
Birmingham City:
Hampton, Mayling, Scott (Whipp), Harrop, Arthur (Scofield), Visalli, Grant, Jordan, Walker, Holloway, Staniforth
CHELSEA : FA Continental League Cup (Group D)
Kingsmeadow
0 - 2
22 September 2019
Att: 3,084
Moorhouse
Kvamme (Simon)
Flaherty
Hendrix
Vetterlein
Middag
Cho
Longhurst
Lehmann (Kiernan)
Thomas
Leon (Galabadaarachchi)
West Ham United produced a spirited performance but fell 2-0 to Chelsea in their opening Continental League Cup fixture, with goals from Bethany England and Guro Reiten settling the tie. Matt Beard made several changes to his XI, handing first starts of the season to Anna Moorhouse, Brooke Hendrix, and Alisha Lehmann, while Cecilie Redisch Kvamme earned her full debut. Moorhouse impressed early, denying Erin Cuthbert and later producing a stunning save to thwart Ramona Bachmann.
The Hammers had chances of their own in a lively first half. Martha Thomas twice went close - first with a blocked effort that trickled wide, then with a powerful strike just over the bar after a swift counter led by Lehmann. Cho So-hyun also fired narrowly wide, while England missed from close range.
Chelsea broke the deadlock five minutes into the second half, England squeezing home after persistent pressure. Moorhouse continued to shine, pulling off a contender for save of the season to deny Adelina Engman, but Reiten’s corner moments later deflected off the keeper to double the lead.
Late substitutions - Jacynta Galabadaarachchi and Leanne Kiernan—added urgency to West Ham’s attack, but Chelsea’s defence held firm. Despite their efforts, the Irons couldn’t find a way back, ending their cup opener with a defeat but plenty of positives to build on.
Chelsea:
Telford; Thorisdottir, Bright, Asante, England (Spence), Reiten, Eriksson, Andersson, Cooper, Cuthbert (Engman), Bachmann (Kirby)
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
London Stadium
0 - 2
29 September 2019
Att: 24,790
Brosnan
Kvamme
Flaherty
Vetterlein
Baunach
Middag (Dali)
Cho
Longhurst
Lehmann (Kiernan)
Thomas
Leon (Galabadaarachchi)
West Ham United Women’s historic debut at London Stadium ended in a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, despite a spirited performance in front of 24,790 fans - the second-highest attendance in FAWSL history. The Irons created numerous chances but were undone by goals from Rianna Dean and Lucy Quinn. Alisha Lehmann nearly converted early on after a slick move down the left, while Martha Thomas, Adriana Leon, Kenza Dali and Kate Longhurst all went close in a rain-soaked first half.
Tottenham struck first on 36 minutes, Dean heading home after Siri Worm’s pinpoint cross split the West Ham defence. The goal sparked a strong second-half response from the hosts, with Thomas denied from close range and Leon heading over after a clever lofted ball from Lehmann.
Courtney Brosnan kept West Ham in the game with a superb save from Rosella Ayane, while late substitutes Galabadaarachchi, Dali and Kiernan injected fresh energy. Dali fired wide and Thomas missed another chance from Redisch Kvamme’s cross before Quinn sealed the win on 84 minutes, pouncing on a loose ball from a set piece.
Thomas saw a final header saved by former Hammer Becky Spencer, as West Ham’s landmark London Stadium outing ended in frustration rather than celebration.
Tottenham Hotspur:
Spencer; Percival, Filbery, Godfrey, Worm (Neville); Green, Poplow, Furness; Graham (Addison), Ayane (Quinn), Dean
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
The People's Pension Stadium
3 - 1 (Dali [pen], Lehmann, Thomas)
13 October 2019
Att: 849
Brosnan
Kvamme
Flaherty
Vetterlein (Hendrix)
Baunach
Cho
Middag (Longhurst)
Dali
Lehmann
Thomas
Kiernan (Leon)
A clinical West Ham United display saw the Irons claim a deserved 3-1 win away to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League. Martha Thomas opened the scoring midway through the first half, finishing emphatically after a clever run and assist from Alisha Lehmann. Brighton had earlier gone close through Aileen Whelan, whose lob struck the bar, but West Ham’s front three - Thomas, Lehmann and Leanne Kiernan- looked sharp throughout.
Kiernan, making her first start of the season, impressed with her directness, nearly doubling the lead after the break with a fierce strike just over. Thomas and Lehmann also went close before the visitors struck twice in three minutes to seal the points. First, Kenza Dali calmly converted a penalty after Thomas was brought down, then Lehmann rifled home her first of the season after a surging run down the right.
Brighton’s Megan Connolly missed a golden chance before bundling in a late consolation, but it was too little, too late. Matt Beard’s side left the People’s Pension Stadium with three goals, three points, and a performance full of attacking intent.
Brighton & Hove Albion:
Walsh; Lundorf, Williams, Kerkdijk, Gibbons; Simpkins (Le Tissier), Bowman, Le Garrec; Brazil (Connolly), Umotong (Green), Whelan
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR : FA Continental League Cup (Group D)
Rush Green
2 - 2 (Dali, Thomas) Lost 2-4 on pens
20 October 2019
Att: 749
Moorhouse
Kvamme
Flaherty
Hendrix
Baunach
Middag (Cho)
Longhurst (Kiszkis)
Dali
Lehmann (Thomas)
Galabadaarachchi
Leon
West Ham United fell to a 4-2 penalty shoot-out defeat after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in the Continental League Cup at Rush Green Stadium. Trailing 2-0 late on to goals from Rianna Dean and Josie Green, the Irons staged a stunning comeback in added time. Martha Thomas latched onto Anna Moorhouse’s long pass to slot home, before Kenza Dali curled in a sublime free-kick with seconds remaining, sending the crowd into raptures.
Earlier, West Ham had dominated the opening exchanges. Gilly Flaherty missed a golden chance from close range, while Adriana Leon twice went close before the break. Moorhouse, starting in goal, made key saves to keep the hosts in contention, but Dean eventually broke the deadlock on the rebound. Spurs doubled their lead soon after, punishing West Ham’s missed chances.
Thomas and Leon continued to threaten, and the late double strike forced penalties. Peplow and Quinn scored for Spurs, while Flaherty missed and Baunach converted. Moorhouse saved from Graham, but Leon’s effort was also stopped. Dean and Dali both scored, leaving Rachel Furness to seal the extra point for Tottenham.
Tottenham Hotspur:
Morgan; Leon (Percival), Green, Filby, Pelow, Dean, Haines (Furness), Schillaci, Wynne (Graham), Worm, Quinn
CHELSEA
Rush Green
1 - 3 (Leon)
27 October 2019
Att: 2,122
Brosnan
Hendrix (Longhurst)
Flaherty
Vetterlein
Baunach
Dali
Cho
Middag
Lehmann
Galabadaarachchi (Leon)
Thomas
West Ham United fell to a 3-1 defeat against Chelsea at Rush Green Stadium, despite taking the lead through Adriana Leon with half an hour to play. In front of a season-high crowd of 2,122, the Irons weathered early Chelsea pressure, with Courtney Brosnan and Gilly Flaherty making key interventions. Martha Thomas had West Ham’s best first-half chance, setting up Alisha Lehmann, who fired narrowly over.
The second half began cagily, but West Ham struck first on 59 minutes—Leon pouncing on a parried Thomas effort to fire home. Chelsea responded with relentless pressure, and Millie Bright grazed the bar before Sophie Ingle equalised with a composed finish on 70 minutes.
Seconds later, So-Hyun Ji curled in a superb strike to put the visitors ahead. West Ham pushed for a leveller, but a late counter saw Fran Kirby set up Drew Spence for Chelsea’s third in stoppage time, sealing the result and dropping the Irons to seventh in the table.
Chelsea:
Berger; Bright, Ingle, England, Ji (Carter), Reiten, Eriksson, Mjelde, Andersson, Cuthbert (Kirby), Bachmann (Spence)
READING : FA Continental League Cup (Group D)
Madejski Stadium
1 - 0 (Lehmann)
3 November 2019
Att:
Moorhouse
Longhurst
Hendrix
Vetterlein
Kvamme
Dali (Middag)
Cho
Baunach
Lehmann
Galabadaarachchi (Littlejohn)
Leon (Kiernan)
Alisha Lehmann’s composed finish sealed a vital 1-0 win for West Ham United over Reading in the FA Women’s Continental League Cup, keeping their campaign alive. With captain Gilly Flaherty and top scorer Martha Thomas unavailable, Matt Beard’s reshuffled 3-4-3 side showed early intent. Lehmann rattled the crossbar with a fierce strike inside 11 minutes, while the Irons pressed Reading into errors and limited their chances - Anna Moorhouse remaining largely untroubled.
After the break, Reading’s Amalie Eikeland had a brief opening, but Moorhouse claimed her chip. Galabadaarachchi and Lehmann both went close before the breakthrough arrived on 75 minutes. Tessel Middag’s deft header released Leanne Kiernan, who squared for Lehmann to tap home her fourth goal in three games against the Royals.
Despite a lengthy injury delay and seven minutes of added time, West Ham held firm to secure their first three points of the group stage with a well-earned away victory.
Reading:
Laws; Leine, Pacheco, Williams, James, Allen, Eikeland, Utland (Chaplen), Moore, Rowe, Howard
MANCHESTER CITY
City Football Academy
0 - 5
7 November 2019
Att: 2,179
Moorhouse
Kvamme
Flaherty
Vetterlein
Baunach
Middag (Hendrix)
Longhurst
Dali
Lehmann
Leon (Kiszkis)
Kiernan (Galabadaarachchi)
A ruthless first-half display saw West Ham United fall 5-0 to Manchester City at the Academy Stadium, with four goals before the break leaving the Irons with too much to do. Ellen White opened the scoring on 11 minutes, reacting quickest after a corner was blocked on the line. Despite a bright West Ham start, City’s pressure mounted, and a devastating seven-minute spell saw Georgia Stanway strike twice and Lauren Hemp add a fourth before half-time.
Tessa Wullaert added a fifth early in the second half, finishing calmly after being set up by Stanway. West Ham created late chances - Leanne Kiernan and Alisha Lehmann both testing Ellie Roebuck - while substitute Wiktoria Kiszkis also went close. City ended the match with ten players after Stanway received a second yellow for a foul on Adriana Leon, but the damage had long been done. Despite flashes of attacking intent, the Irons were well beaten by a clinical City side.
Manchester City:
Roebuck, Beckie, Houghton, Bonner, Stokes (Campbell), Scott (Bremer), Weir, Wullaert, Stanway, Hemp (Toland), White
LEWES : FA Continental League Cup (Group D)
Rush Green
3 - 1 (Dali 2 [1 pen], Kieman)
20 November 2019
Att: 652
Brosnan
Flaherty
Hendrix
Vetterlein
Kvamme
Longhurst (Middag)
Dali
Baunach
Lehmann (Leon)
Kiernan (Kiszkis)
Galabadaarachchi
West Ham United kept their Continental League Cup hopes alive with a 3-1 Group D win over Lewes at Rush Green, thanks to a first-half flurry from Leanne Kiernan and a Kenza Dali brace.
In front of 652 hardy fans on a cold Wednesday night, the Irons started brightly. Dali forced an early save before Galabadaarachchi’s clever footwork set up chances for Lehmann and Kiernan—the latter making no mistake with her second attempt, finishing neatly at the near post.
Moments later, Galabadaarachchi was brought down after a dazzling run, and Dali calmly converted the penalty. The French midfielder struck again just before the break, curling home from the edge of the area to put the game beyond doubt.
Academy graduate Wiktoria Kiszkis replaced Kiernan at half-time as West Ham shifted shape and looked to manage the game. Brosnan was called into action to deny a Lewes header, while Galabadaarachchi and Hendrix both went close to adding a fourth.
Dali narrowly missed out on a hat-trick, and Lewes pulled one back through Chloe Winchester on 78 minutes. But the Irons saw out the win, setting up a decisive final group match in their push for the quarter-finals.
Lewes:
Baker; Quayle (Powell), Cleverley, Hayes (King), Jones, Noble, Boswell (Donovan), Winchester, Lane, O’Rourke, Savva
READING
Rush Green
2 - 3 (Baunach, Kiernan)
24 November 2019
Att: 1,392
Moorhouse
Kvamme
Flaherty
Hendrix
Vetterlein
Baunach (Middag)
Dali
Longhurst
Lehmann
Kiernan
Galabadaarachchi (Leon)
West Ham United suffered a painful late collapse as ten-player Reading snatched a 3-2 comeback win at Rush Green, overturning a two-goal deficit in the final 15 minutes.
The Irons looked in control after goals from Katharina Baunach - who curled in a superb indirect free-kick early on - and Leanne Kiernan, who stabbed home from a corner on 65 minutes. Matt Beard’s unchanged side had dominated much of the match, with Lehmann, Dali, and Galabadaarachchi combining well in attack and the defence marshalled confidently by Hendrix, Flaherty, and Vetterlein.
Reading’s Rachel Lowe was sent off late in the first half after a clash with Cecilie Redisch Kvamme, and although the visitors threatened early in the second period, West Ham appeared to have weathered the storm.
But the game turned dramatically. Kristine Leine scrambled in a corner, and seconds later Brooke Chaplen broke clear to level. Sophie Howard then struck the bar before Jade Moore pounced on another failed clearance to complete the turnaround. Despite late pressure and a near-miss from Fara Williams, West Ham couldn’t recover, with Reading’s late blitz sealing a frustrating defeat.
Reading:
Moloney; Leine, Williams, James, Allen, Eikeland, Utland (Pacheco), Moore, Chaplen, Rowe, Howard
MANCHESTER UNITED
Rush Green
3 - 2 (Baunach 2, Vetterlein)
1 December 2019
Att: 1,736
Brosnan
Kvamme
Flaherty
Hendrix
Vetterlein
Baunach
Dali (Cho)
Longhurst (Middag)
Lehmann (Leon)
Kiernan
Thomas
Katharina Baunach’s stunning 90th-minute free-kick sealed a dramatic 3-2 comeback win for West Ham United over Manchester United, capping a pulsating contest at Rush Green.
The Irons twice came from behind - Laura Vetterlein’s first goal for the club and a Baunach in-swinging free-kick cancelling out strikes from Kirsty Hanson and Lauren James - before the German left-back curled home a glorious winner from the edge of the 'D' in injury time.
Martha Thomas returned to the starting XI after injury, while Esmee de Graaf made the bench for the first time since last December. The game exploded into life inside a minute, Hanson heading in Jane Ross’s cross, but West Ham hit back instantly through Vetterlein after Dali’s clever delivery.
Both sides traded chances in a frantic opening spell, with Courtney Brosnan making key saves to deny Galton and Zelem. The tempo dipped briefly before Dali’s deflected effort forced a scrambling stop from Earps before the break.
United threatened again early in the second half, but West Ham grew into the game, Thomas nearly connecting with Kvamme’s cross and showing sharp movement in the box. James looked to have won it late on with a low finish, but Baunach’s free-kick levelled the tie moments later.
Manchester United:
Earps, A. Turner, McManus, M. Turner, Harris, Ladd, Zelem, Groenen (Toone), Hanson (Sigsworth), Ross (James), Galton
LIVERPOOL
Prenton Park
1 - 1 (Leon)
8 December 2019
Att:
Brosnan
Kvamme
Hendrix (De Graaf)
Flaherty
Vetterlein
Baunach
Cho (Middag)
Longhurst
Dali
Thomas
Leon (Galabadaarachchi)
West Ham United earned a hard-fought point in a high-tempo 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Merseyside, with Adriana Leon’s early strike cancelled out by a late Niamh Charles equaliser. Matt Beard reshuffled his side, reintroducing Cho and Leon, and it paid off quickly. Leon chested down Cecilie Redisch Kvamme’s low cross and squeezed a shot past Kitching in the fifth minute. Kvamme’s deliveries continued to trouble Liverpool, with Thomas and Longhurst both going close.
West Ham looked sharp in the first half, with Leon nearly forcing a second after charging down a clearance, while Baunach and Thomas combined well aerially. Defensively, Flaherty, Hendrix and Vetterlein stood firm, and Brosnan was assured under pressure.
After the break, Dali tested Kitching with a rising drive, and Leon again threatened with a powerful effort. Flaherty’s timely tackle denied Lawley, and Liverpool missed a golden chance when Lawley fired a penalty wide after Vetterlein was penalised.
The Reds eventually levelled when Charles deflected in a driven cross from close range. Brosnan’s late save from a long-range strike preserved the draw, capping a resilient West Ham performance.
Liverpool:
Kitching; Robe, Fahey, Bradley-Auckland, Linnett (Murray), Bailey, Hodson (Babajide), Lawley, Charles (Sweetman-Kirk), Roberts, Jane
CRYSTAL PALACE : FA Continental League Cup (Group D)
Rush Green
7 - 0 (Dali 2, Longhurst 2, kieman, Leon, Vetterlein)
11 December 2019
Att: 336
Moorhouse
Hendrix
Flaherty
Vetterlein
Baunach (Longhurst
Galabadaraachchi (Thomas)
De Graaf
Middag
Leon
Dali (Simic)
Kiernan
West Ham United Women delivered a commanding 7-0 win over Crystal Palace in the Continental League Cup, though the result wasn’t enough to secure progression, with Reading’s shoot-out win over Chelsea denying the Irons a knockout place.
On a cold evening at Rush Green, Matt Beard’s side dominated from the outset. Esmee De Graaf, returning from injury, impressed early, setting up Leanne Kiernan for the opener after 15 minutes. The 3-4-3 formation paid dividends, with De Graaf and Adriana Leon stretching the Palace defence throughout.
Vetterlein doubled the lead just before the break with a powerful header from a Baunach corner, and Leon added a third moments later after Kenza Dali’s high press. Dali then scored the pick of the goals shortly after the restart, rifling into the top corner after winning the ball in midfield.
West Ham continued to press, with Leon and Kiernan both going close before substitutes Martha Thomas and Kate Longhurst combined for the fifth - Longhurst finishing smartly. Dali added her second with a looping volley, and Longhurst tapped in again to make it seven.
Julia Simic made a welcome return after a year out, and nearly witnessed a Longhurst hat-trick in stoppage time, but the midfielder’s volley flew over. A bittersweet night: a resounding win, but no route to the next round.
Crystal Palace:
Gibbon, Pepper, Goddard (Stobbs), Baptiste (Mosengo), Georgiou, Mackenzie, L.Rutherford, E.Rutherford, Goddard, Laudat (Khassal), Hurley
EVERTON
Rush Green
5 January 2020
Postponed : Flu Virus
The Women’s Super League meeting between West Ham United and Everton has been postponed after an outbreak of flu in the Hammers’ squad led to concerns over players’ welfare.
The London club, currently eighth in the league, were due to host the Toffees on Sunday afternoon but the fixture has been called off in accordance with WSL rules. West Ham have apologised to fans for any inconvenience caused.
An FA statement explained that the postponement was made due to “a widespread and severe flu virus that has affected a significant number of the West Ham United team”, adding that “player welfare is of paramount importance”
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
The Hive
1 - 2 (Dali)
12 January 2020
Att:
Brosnan
Kvamme
Fisk
Flaherty
Vetterlein
Middag
Longhurst (Simic)
Dali
Leon (Galabadaarachchi)
Thomas
Lehmann (Kiernan)
West Ham United suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in their first match of 2020, undone by a late winner after Kenza Dali’s dramatic equaliser.
On a crisp winter afternoon at the Hive, the Irons started brightly, with Adriana Leon heading over early and debutant Grace Fisk impressing with a key tackle. Courtney Brosnan made several smart saves, but Spurs took the lead on 30 minutes when Emma Mitchell’s low strike deflected off Kate Longhurst and in via the far post.
West Ham pressed for a response, Leon going close before the break and Martha Thomas denied one-on-one by substitute keeper Chloe Morgan. Beard introduced Galabadaarachchi and Simic to add spark, and Dali nearly found Vetterlein with a teasing free-kick.
With nine minutes of added time looming, Dali struck a stunning first-time finish from the edge of the box to level the match and ignite hopes of a comeback. The Irons pushed for a winner, but it was Spurs who snatched victory - Rianna Dean heading home from close range to seal a cruel blow at the death.
Tottenham Hotspur:
Spencer (Morgan), Percival, Green, Filbey, Davison; Dean, Graham (Quinn), Mitchell; Ayane (Addison), Godfrey, Neville
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
Rush Green
2 - 1 (Lehmann 2)
19 January 2020
Att: 1,799
Brosnan
Kvamme
Fisk
Flaherty
Baunach
Middag (Cho)
Longhurst
Dali
Lehmann
Kiernan (Simic)
Galabadaarachchi (Wallen)
Alisha Lehmann’s rapid second-half brace inspired West Ham United to a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Brighton & Hove Albion in their first home fixture of 2020.
Brighton had taken a contentious lead midway through the first half, as Danique Kerkdijk’s header was judged to have crossed the line after striking the post. Despite protests, the goal stood. West Ham had early promise, with Jacynta Galabadaarachchi testing Megan Walsh and Gilly Flaherty heading narrowly wide.
Courtney Brosnan was alert to prevent an own goal and punch clear a dangerous free-kick, while Flaherty again went close after the break from a Baunach delivery. Tactical changes saw Filippa Wallen, Cho So-hyun and Julia Simic introduced, with Lehmann pushed into a more advanced role.
The Swiss forward nearly scored just after the hour, but made no mistake ten minutes from time—latching onto Kate Longhurst’s deep cross and volleying home to level. Moments later, Lehmann raced through and calmly slotted her second, sealing a vital three points for Matt Beard’s side and sending Rush Green into raptures.
Brighton & Hove Albion:
Walsh; Gibbons, Bowman, Whelan, Barton (Lundorf), Natkiel (Umotong), Kerkdijk, Green, Connolly, Williams, Le Garrec
ARSENAL : FA Cup (Fourth Round)
Rush Green
0 - 2
26 January 2020
Att: 959
Brosnan
Kvamme
Flaherty
Fisk
Baunach
Dali
Longhurst
Simic (Middag)
De Graff (Galabadaarachchi)
Kiernan (Littlejohn)
Lehmann
West Ham United bowed out of the FA Cup in the fourth round after a valiant 2-0 defeat to reigning champions Arsenal, who edged the tie with two moments of real quality from Katie McCabe and Lia Walti.
The Irons, last season’s finalists, matched their illustrious opponents for long spells and created chances to level while only one goal down. Julia Simic made her first start in over a year, adding composure to the midfield, while Esmee de Graaf returned at full-back to counter Arsenal’s wide threat.
Arsenal started brightly, with Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema probing early. McCabe broke the deadlock with a thunderous strike from the edge of the box, and Brosnan was called into action to deny Maier and Mead before the break.
West Ham grew into the game, with Simic nearly converting a Dali cross and Dali herself volleying just wide after the restart. Kiernan and Longhurst also went close as the Irons pressed for an equaliser, but Walti’s precise finish from a Mead corner sealed the result.
Despite late efforts and a goal-line block from Galabadaarachchi, West Ham’s FA Cup run ended with pride intact and focus shifting back to the league.
Arsenal:
Zinsberger, Maier, Williamson, Quinn, McCabe, Walti, Little, Roord (Van de Donk), Evans, Miedema, Mead
CHELSEA
Kingsmeadow
0 - 8
2 February 2020
Att: 3,304
Brosnan
Fisk
Flaherty
Vetterlein
Kvamme
Dali
Longhurst (Middag)
Simic (Galabadaarachchi)
Baunach
Lehmann
Kiernan (De Graaf)
West Ham United endured a punishing 8-0 defeat away to Chelsea in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League, with the Blues showcasing ruthless attacking form. Chelsea raced into a two-goal lead inside 12 minutes through Maren Mjelde and Bethany England, before Sophie Ingle added a third just before half-time. Despite brave defending from Kate Longhurst and Gilly Flaherty, and several fine saves from Courtney Brosnan, the Irons struggled to contain the hosts.
West Ham’s best first-half chance came via a Baunach corner, with Grace Fisk and Laura Vetterlein both challenging, but no foul was given after a collision. Kenza Dali later forced a save from Carly Telford in stoppage time.
The second half saw Chelsea continue their dominance. Erin Cuthbert netted a clever half-volley, England completed her hat-trick, and Mjelde added her second. Brosnan kept the scoreline from worsening with key stops from Cuthbert and Bachmann, while Alisha Lehmann went close late on. Substitutes Bachmann and Emily Murphy rounded off the scoring in added time, capping a difficult afternoon for Matt Beard’s side.
Chelsea:
Telford; Bundell, Bright, Ingle (Carter), England (Murphy), Reiten (Bachmann), Eriksson, Mjelde, Cuthbert, Spence, Andersson
MANCHESTER CITY
Rush Green
9 February 2020
Postponed : Adverse weather conditions
The Club’s Barclays FA Women’s Super League match with Manchester City this has been postponed due to adverse weather conditions.
West Ham United and Manchester City agree that the safety of supporters and staff is of paramount importance and, with the amber weather warning in place and winds around Rush Green Stadium particularly strong, that could not be 100 per cent guaranteed for today’s match.
READING
Adams Park
0 - 2
12 February 2020
Att:
Moorhouse
Kvamme
Fisk
Flaherty
Vetterlein
Longhurst
Middag (Simic)
Galabadaarachchi
Kiernan (Dali)
Lehmann
Thomas (Littlejohn)
West Ham United fell to a 2-0 defeat away at Reading on a cold February night at Adams Park, a ground that had previously brought happier memories for the Irons. Jade Moore opened the scoring midway through the first half, heading home after Amalie Eikeland’s knockdown from a set-piece. West Ham had early promise, with Galabadaarachchi finding space and Lehmann going close with a header, but clear-cut chances were hard to come by.
Anna Moorhouse impressed with a sharp save from Brooke Chaplen, while Eikeland later struck the post. The introduction of Kenza Dali after the break added attacking intent, but Reading doubled their lead when Chaplen broke through and finished coolly past Moorhouse.
Despite further substitutions from Matt Beard, including Julia Simic and Ruesha Littlejohn, West Ham couldn’t unlock Reading’s resolute defence, leaving without a share of the points in a frustrating outing.
Reading:
Laws; Leine, Williams, James, Allen, Eikeland, Harding, Moore, Chaplen, Potter (Bartrip), Rowe
LIVERPOOL
Rush Green
4 - 2 (Leon 2, Thomas 2)
23 February 2020
Att: 1,877
Moorhouse
Fisk (Kvamme)
Flaherty
Vetterlein
Baunach (Wallen)
Dali
Middag
Simic (Littlejohn)
Lehmann
Thomas
Leon
Matt Beard marked his 50th competitive match in charge of West Ham United with a commanding 4–2 win over former club Liverpool, thanks to a clinical display from Adriana Leon and Martha Thomas, who each netted twice on a brisk afternoon at Rush Green.
Seeking a return to winning ways in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League, Beard made four changes, including a reshuffled backline and the return of Leon, Dali, and Simic. Both sides struggled to find rhythm early on, with the swirling wind disrupting play, but West Ham soon found their stride.
Leon opened the scoring with the Hammers’ first shot, drilling low into the corner after collecting Simic’s through-ball. Within a minute, Lehmann burst down the wing and squared for Thomas to double the lead from close range. Leon nearly added a third moments later, latching onto Dali’s lofted pass but failing to beat the keeper.
Chances remained limited but dangerous. Simic volleyed just wide after a Lehmann cross, while Liverpool’s best first-half effort came from Niamh Charles, whose angled strike was smothered by Anna Moorhouse. Thomas struck again five minutes into the second half, flicking Dali’s pass through her legs before rifling a low shot into the far corner. She nearly completed her hat-trick with a header from Baunach’s corner, but the ball bounced over. On the hour, Thomas turned provider, setting up Leon for her second and West Ham’s fourth.
Liverpool rallied late, with Rachel Furness scoring twice - first from a spilled free-kick and then with a powerful header from a corner—but the Hammers’ earlier dominance ensured a deserved victory and a fitting milestone for their manager.
Liverpool:
Preuss; Jane, Bradley-Auckland, Fahey, Robe, Bailey (Murray), Furness, Charles, Linnett (Roberts), Lawley, Hodson (Clarke)
Coronavirus Pandemic
On 13 March 2020, in line with the FA's response to the coronavirus pandemic, it was announced the season was initially suspended until at least 3 April 2020. After further postponements, the season was ultimately ended prematurely on 25 May 2020 with immediate effect.
On 5 June 2020, Chelsea were named as champions, moving them up one place ahead of Manchester City on sporting merit after The FA Board's decision to award places on a points-per-game basis.
Manchester City were awarded the second Champions League place and Liverpool were relegated using the same method.
Fixtures not completed:
22 March 2020
29 March 2020
1 April 2020
5 April 2020
22 April 2020
26 April 2020
3 May 2020
16 May 2020
Manchester United (A) Leigh Sports Village:
Arsenal (H) Rush Green
Everton (H) Rush Green
Birmingham City (A) ARMCO Arena, Solihul Moors
Manchester City (H) Rush Green
Everton (A) Walton Hall Park
Bristol City (A) Stoke Gifford Stadium
Bristol City (H) Rush Green
