Manchester United Women were held to a goalless draw by West Ham United in the Barclays Women’s Super League at Chigwell Construction Stadium on Wednesday evening.
United were hoping to put behind the Women’s Super League Cup final disappointment behind them, but were frustrated by the hosts.
The game’s first chance fell to United when Elisabeth Terland dispossessed Katie Zelem. She got a shot away, but Kinga Szemik thwarted her.
At the other end, Oona Siren evaded several markers before laying off for Shekiera Martinez who could only fire straight at Phallon Tullis-Joyce.
Viviane Asseyi came close to giving West Ham the lead after breaking into the box, but she could not hit the target.
United responded quickly with two consecutive attacks. First, Szemik kept out Julia Zigiotti Olme’s effort before saving Terland’s header.
Lea Schuller missed a good chance to break the deadlock early in the second half, failing to hit the target from a promising position.
Asseyi squandered another golden opportunity at the other end, heading Ffion Morgan’s wonderful delivery straight at Tullis-Joyce.
United could not believe they had not broken the deadlock when Melvine Malard was played through, but Szemik smothered her. Eva Nystrom then made a goalline clearance from the rebound.
The Red Devils continued to push for a late winner but the Hammers held on for a draw.
Following the result, United have now dropped to third in the standings, sitting just one point behind second-placed Chelsea.
The Mancunian giants return to action on Saturday when they host Everton.