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Sunday 24 February 2013

Goal machine Hannah Gowland is huge loss to West Ham Ladies

After joining the West Ham Ladies at the end of October, Hannah Gowland was keen to quickly show manager Julia Setford what she is capable of.

The wet weather at the end of 2012 limited the amount of games she could play in so she gave everything in training in the hope of securing a place in the side for the first few games of the New Year.

Her determination was rewarded as she started and scored two goals against London Corinthians in the FA Cup on January 6 before scoring a goal in the league win over Gillingham the following weekend.

Mikey Cartwright/Ponderosa Pix

The 18-year-old then kept her place for the tough FA Cup trip to Leeds and again was on the scoresheet but her efforts weren’t enough to stop the Ladies being dumped out of the competition earlier this month.

The former Colchester United star then bagged a hat-trick as the Ladies stormed to a 13-2 victory in the county cup quarter final against Witham Town the week after to take her goal spree to seven goals in four games.

But now the teenager is set to endure a period on the sidelines after sustaining an ankle injury in the Ladies county cup semi-final defeat to her former club.

Speaking of her decision to join West Ham, Hannah said: “Lily Mellors and I were at Colchester United together and we weren't enjoying it as much as we used to and we wanted a new challenge.

“We had quite a bit of success at Col U but wanted something different. Lily had a training session with West Ham and afterwards she said how much she enjoyed it so I went with her the next week and loved it there and wanted to sign for them.

“It was fun but the sessions felt like I learnt something new from them. The other thing which impressed me was that all the girls turn up for training which is great because you can work on things as a team. I was delighted to join.”

She added: “The whole team has welcomed me and helped me to settle. I already knew April Bowers, Danica Revell and Rosey Sullivan and was familiar with rest of team because I've played against them a few times.”

Asked about the Ladies’ chances of promotion this season, the forward continued: “I think we've got a good chance of getting promoted because we're up there with games in hand.”

She added she didn’t know exactly how long her ankle injury would keep her out of action but she said she is determined to play again as soon as possible.

The West Ham United Ladies play their home games at Thurrock FC (RM19 1YN). For details of future games visit www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westhamunitedladiesfc.

Friday 1 February 2013

West Ham Ladies manager Julia Setford’s praise for new signings Hannah Gowland and Lily Mellors ahead of FA Cup clash

West Ham Ladies' manager Julia Setford has lauded the impact of her new signings as the team prepare to take on Leeds United in the Fourth Round of the FA Women’s Cup.

The Hammers head into the game on the back of consecutive wins over Gillingham and London Corinthians, and will fancy their chances to progress in the competition.

New signings from Colchester United, Hannah Gowland and Lily Mellors have made an instant impact since arriving late last year and manager Setford couldn't be happier with their progress.

Mikey Cartwright/Ponderosa Pix

"The two girls I brought in, I knew they were quality,” she said. “They've settled in well and really proved themselves."

The two new recruits have really strengthened the Hammers side, according to their boss.

"Their finishing, especially Hannah's, is second to none” the gaffer continued. “She's a left-footed player and she brings a nice balance to the team; together with Lily's vision, it's really boosted our numbers and made us strong."

The team's recent form is particularly impressive given the frustrations they have faced of late, mainly down to the adverse weather conditions.

The Ladies have only been able to complete four games since November, but hopefully the worst of the bad weather is over now and the Leeds game will bring glorious sunshine and a third win on the trot for the in-form Irons, with more sparkling performances from the two new signings.

The Hammers have never lifted the trophy, nor even reached a final since its inauguration in 1971, and that will be sure to be something that manager Setford will want to put right this season.

With only two defeats so far in the league, the Hammers are also sitting pretty at fourth in the table - just five points off leaders Reading.

A fantastic seven match unbeaten run between September and October has been the highlight in the league for Setford’s side so far, but the most outstanding thing has been the Irons’ resistance to defeat and their “bouncebackability”.