by Staff Writer
Monday, 10th November 2025
West Ham Women were left devastated at the Chigwell Construction Stadium on Sunday afternoon as a stoppage-time equaliser denied Rehanne Skinner's side a much-needed victory against Leicester City in the Barclays Women’s Super League.
After taking a deserved second-half lead through Shekiera Martinez, the Hammers looked set to collect their first league win of the season, only for Shannon O’Brien to snatch a dramatic 1-1 draw deep into added time.
The game began with West Ham showing real attacking intent. Viviane Asseyi and Riko Ueki combined well in the opening stages, while Anouk Denton and Shekiera Martinez offered plenty of options of the flanks.
Leicester were organised defensively but offered little threat going forward early on, with Amber Tysiak and Shelina Zadorsky handling any danger with confidence at the back. Despite several half-chances, the sides went into the break goalless, leaving manager Rehanne Skinner urging the Hammers team to make their pressure count.
West Ham finally made the breakthrough ten minutes into the second half. Denton surged down the left wing and whipped in a low cross that found Martinez, who timed her run perfectly to flick home from close range. For much of the second period, the Hammers looked comfortable in control, dictating play through Katrina Gorry’s in midfield.
However, as full-time approached, Leicester began to press for an equaliser. West Ham’s defence held firm until the final moments, when a hopeful ball into the box wasn’t cleared and O’Brien pounced to fire past Kinga Szemik in the 97th minute. The frustration was clear on the faces of the players and staff, another late setback in a season that has yet to find rhythm.
Speaking after the match, manager Rehanne Skinner admitted her disappointment at the result. “It’s a really tough one to take, we controlled large parts of the game and created enough to win, but once again, a lapse at the end has cost us. The players gave everything, but we have to be better in seeing games out.”
Despite another strong performance, the draw means West Ham remain without a win in the league this season. Confidence and work rate were clear to see, but results continue to elude them and with six consecutive matches now without victory, Skinner and her side know something has to change quickly to turn performances into points.
West Ham Utd: Szemik, Denton, Tysiak, Zadorsky, Endo, Siren, Gorry (Csiki 77), Morgan (Wandeler 56), Asseyi, Ueki (Paví 77), Martinez
Subs not used: Walsh, Belloumou, Nyström, Brasero, Hanshaw, Houssein
Goals: Martinez (52)
Booked: Gorry
Leicester City: Leitzig, Kees, Tierney, Van Egmond (Rantala 69), Mouchon (O'Brien 75), Ale, Eiríksdóttir (Ayane 75), Thibaud (Las 86), Cain, Mcloughlin, Swaby
Subs not used: Clark, Wellesley- Smith, Boureille, Goodwin, Sherwood
Goals: O'Brien (90+7)
Player Ratings
Kinga Szemik (7) Made some solid stops and looked confident under pressure but couldn’t do much to prevent the late equaliser.
Yu Endo (6) Worked hard on the flank but struggled at times with Leicester’s pace on the counter.
Amber Tysiak (7) Strong in the air and calm under pressure. One of West Ham’s most reliable defenders once again.
Shelina Zadorsky (7) Led the backline well and dealt with most of Leicester’s threats, but will be frustrated with the late lapse.
Oona Siren (6) Showed good energy getting forward, though found it difficult to deal with Leicester’s wide play.
Katrina Gorry (c) (7) Worked tirelessly in midfield and dictated much of the tempo. A leader throughout.
Ffion Morgan (6) Had moments of quality but didn’t see enough of the ball to make a major impact before being subbed.
Anouk Denton (7) A standout performer. Full of running and provided the assist for the goal with a perfect low cross.
Viviane Asseyi (7) Lively in attack and linked play nicely but lacked the cutting edge in front of goal.
Riko Ueki (6) Battled hard but often isolated. Needs more service to make her runs count.
Shekiera Martinez (8) West Ham’s best performer. Took her goal brilliantly and constantly troubled Leicester’s defence.
Substitutes
Seraina Piubel (Morgan, 53) (6) Added fresh energy and pressed well after coming on.
Manuela Paví (Asseyi, 73) (6) Worked hard in the final stages but had little chance to change the game.
Leila Wandeler (Martinez, 73) (6) Brought on to stretch play but had limited involvement as West Ham dropped deeper.
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