West Ham United Women suffered heartbreak in stoppage time as a cruel own goal handed Everton a 1-0 victory at the Chigwell Construction Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
With the contest seemingly destined to end goalless, Yūka Momiki's inswinging free-kick in the fourth minute of added time was inadvertently turned into her own net by Laia Codina, condemning the Hammers to a frustrating defeat.
The afternoon began with an emotional tribute as supporters, players and staff united in a minute's applause in the 13th minute to remember former West Ham manager Matt Beard, one year on from his passing.
Rita Guarino's side responded positively and were the better team for large spells of the first half.
After Kelly Gago and Viviane Asseyi combined well down the left to win an early corner, Katie Zelem's inviting delivery found Codina, whose header drifted narrowly wide. Everton threatened at the other end when Rosa Van Gool rounded Constance Picaud-Inconnu before Ornella Vignola dragged her effort off target.
West Ham gradually took control and began to create the better opportunities. Asseyi directed a header at Courtney Brosnan from Nadine Riesen's deep cross before the Hammers spurned their clearest opening of the afternoon.
Hikaru Kitagawa's misplaced pass gifted possession to Riko Ueki, who raced through on goal but could only lift her effort over the crossbar with Brosnan stranded.
Former Everton forward Gago then came close to haunting her old club. A slick counter-attack involving Seraina Piubel and Asseyi released the French attacker, but her left-footed strike was comfortably gathered by Brosnan.
The visitors emerged with greater intent after the interval and immediately began to apply pressure. Kitagawa's dangerous corner almost crept underneath the crossbar, forcing Picaud-Inconnu into a smart fingertip save before confidently claiming the resulting set-piece.
Guarino introduced Ebony Salmon just after the hour mark and the substitute made an instant impact, stretching the Everton defence with her pace down the right flank. However, her dangerous delivery flashed across goal without finding a teammate.
Despite enjoying more possession, Everton struggled to test Picaud-Inconnu. Substitutes Zara Kramžar and Momiki both tried their luck from distance in the closing stages but failed to hit the target.
The Hammers goalkeeper looked set to earn her side a valuable point when she produced a superb save from Clare Wheeler's point-blank header in the third minute of stoppage time.
But there was a cruel twist moments later.
Momiki whipped a free-kick into a crowded penalty area and, under pressure, Codina could only glance the ball beyond the helpless Picaud-Inconnu and into the far corner.
It was a devastating conclusion to a hard-fought contest for West Ham, who had matched Everton throughout the afternoon and looked on course for a share of the spoils until the game's final moments.
Team sheet
West Ham United: Picaud-Inconnu, Riesen, Codina, Cascarino, Belloumou, Kumagai, Zelem (C), Piubel (Salmon 62), Ueki (Wandeler 76), Asseyi, Gago.
Unused substitutes: Dowsett, Endo, Siren, Nyström, Tennebø, Wareing, Peacock.
Booked: Cascarino, Asseyi.
Everton: Brosnan (C), Blundell, Layzell, Wheeler, Van Gool (Momiki 76), McNamara (Kramžar 76), Cain (Pacheco 70), Kitagawa, Vignola, Silcock (Ishikawa 86), Mace.
Unused substitutes: Foster-Onman, Hobson, Hayashi, Finnigan, Galli.
Goal: Codina (own goal) 90+4.
Player ratings
Constance Picaud – 8/10
West Ham's best player on the day. Commanded her area brilliantly, dealt with crosses confidently and made a huge late save from Clare Wheeler that looked certain to earn the Hammers a point. Had no chance with the own goal.
Nadine Riesen – 7/10
Defended well throughout and got forward when opportunities arose. Delivered a lovely cross for Asseyi in the first half and rarely gave Everton much joy down her side.
Laia Codina – 6/10
A difficult one to rate. She was excellent for 93 minutes, winning headers, reading danger well and almost scoring from a first-half corner. Unfortunately, her afternoon will be remembered for the unfortunate stoppage-time own goal.
Estelle Cascarino – 7/10
Strong and aggressive in the challenge. Picked up a booking but generally kept Everton's attackers quiet and looked assured at the back.
Inès Belloumou – 6.5/10
Solid rather than spectacular. Defended diligently and worked hard on the left flank, helping West Ham stay compact.
Saki Kumagai – 7/10
Calm, composed and intelligent as ever. Broke up attacks, shielded the defence and used the ball sensibly.
Katie Zelem – 7.5/10
West Ham's best outfield player. Her set-piece deliveries caused problems all afternoon and she controlled the midfield battle for long spells against her former club.
Seraina Piubel – 6/10
Worked hard and linked play well at times but struggled to influence the game in attacking areas before being replaced.
Viviane Asseyi – 7/10
One of West Ham's biggest attacking threats. Combined well with Gago, got into dangerous positions and never stopped working despite picking up a booking.
Kelly Gago – 7/10
Lively throughout against her former side. Pressed well, carried the ball effectively and had a good chance in the first half that was saved by Brosnan.
Riko Ueki – 6.5/10
Created her own best opportunity by capitalising on a defensive mistake but will feel she should have scored when through one-on-one. Led the line well otherwise.
Ebony Salmon (62') – 6.5/10
Added pace and directness after coming on. Immediately caused Everton problems down the right and looked dangerous whenever she got the ball.
Leila Wandeler (76') – 6/10
Didn't have enough time to make a major impact but worked hard and helped press Everton late on.
Player of the Match
Constance Picaud – 8/10
The goalkeeper did almost everything right and looked set to secure a hard-earned point before the cruel late own goal denied her a deserved clean sheet.
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