The Paul Konchesky era at West Ham United has got off to a winning start with a 5-1 pre-season friendly victory at Billericay Town.
The former England international defender replaced Olli Harder as West Ham United boss at the end of last season and his new-look side eased to victory over FA Women’s South East Division champions Billericay Town.
A relatively youthful Hammers side went into battle in Essex and they took the lead after just 15 minutes when new signings Izzy Atkinson and Alex Hennessy combined, the latter firing the ball into the back of the net.
Forward Claudia Walker then slotted West Ham United 2-0 up as Konchesky’s side went into the break with a comfortable lead.
Billericay Town pulled a goal back in the second half through Lucy Jones before Yui Hasegawa quickly re-established her side’s two-goal lead.
Grace Garrad then saw a shot cannon back off the post before former Arsenal winger Mel Filis added gloss to the scoreline as she added a quick-fire double to cap-off a 5-1 win.
There are much tougher battles ahead for Konchesky’s Hammers but a win is a win and today’s result will breathe some early confidence into his side as they look to build on last season’s top half of the table finish in the Barclays Women’s Super League.