by Staff Writer
Sunday, 31st May 2026
West Ham United women’s team were narrowly beaten 3-2 by Aston Villa in their final Group 2 fixture at the World Sevens Football tournament on Friday evening.
Taking to the pitch at the Gtech Community Stadium for the third time in the day, the Hammers produced one of their most spirited displays of the competition but were ultimately left empty-handed after a closely contested encounter.
The fast-paced nature of the World Sevens format was evident from the opening whistle, with both sides looking to attack at every opportunity. Aston Villa struck first to take an early lead, but West Ham responded impressively and quickly found their rhythm.
Showing determination and attacking intent, the Hammers levelled the scores before taking the lead themselves through a well-worked move, turning the momentum firmly in their favour. Rita Guarino's side looked comfortable for spells and carried a constant threat going forward.
Villa, however, demonstrated their own quality and fought back to equalise, setting up a tense finish under the lights in west London.
With both teams pushing for a winner, the contest opened up in the closing stages and chances arrived at both ends. Despite West Ham's efforts, it was Aston Villa who found the decisive moment, scoring late on to snatch victory and condemn the Hammers to a narrow defeat.
The result brought West Ham's Group 2 campaign to a close, with the players showing resilience and commitment throughout a demanding day of World Sevens action. While results did not fall their way, the tournament provided valuable experience against high-quality opposition and offered further opportunities for the squad to continue developing under Rita Guarino.
The Hammers will now take the positives from the competition as attention turns towards preparations for the 2026/27 season.
West Ham United: Szemik, Nyström, Zadorsky, Morgan, Piubel, Wandeler, Tennebø
Subs: Walsh (GK), Hansen, Bose, Cemal, Cascarino, Asseyi, Ueki
Goal: Zadorsky 4, Hansen 22
Aston Villa: D'Angelo, Patten, Maritz, Maltby, Jean-François, Hanson, Daly
Subs: Clark (GK), Deslandes, Taylor, Kendall, Hijikata, Salmon, Mullett
Goals: Daly 2, Salmon 14, Kendall 15
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