Brighton & Hove Albion manager Hope Powell said that her side were far from their best as they defeated West Ham United 2-0 at The Amex Stadium this afternoon.
The Seagulls benefitted from Hawa Cissoko’s first half dismissal, netting the resulting penalty kick and adding a further first half goal.
Opponents West Ham United started brightly and created some early chances while they remained competitive after being reduced to 10 players.
Reflecting on her side’s performance in the post-match press conference in which FAWSL Full-Time were present, Brighton & Hove Albion boss Powell admitted that she was pleased with the result but not necessarily the performance.
“I’m pleased with the three points but it was really hard work;” Powell said. “Credit to West Ham, both teams went for it, both teams tried to play, the conditions were really, really hot and it was challenging.
“I don’t think we were at our best, I think the girls would admit that too so having not played at our best but to come away with the three points is pleasing.”
Once pleasing aspect was the attendance with more than 2,200 fans having watched the game at The Amex Stadium. Powell naturally wants to club to increase their core fanbase with fans also following the team at their usual home of The People’s Pension Stadium in Crawley.
She said “That core crowd we want them to be supporters of the women’s team and follow us whenever and wherever they can. I appreciate that Crawley isn’t Brighton and that could be challenging for some but it was lovely to have them here today and more importantly, it was lovely that we could win for them.
“They were very, very loud, very noisy and they really helped spur the girls on. It was great to see them and it’d be great to see them when we are next at Crawley.”
Brighton & Hove Albion are back in action next Sunday when they travel to St Andrew’s to take on Birmingham City.