West Ham’s day started with their coach getting a flat tyre, which delayed the kick-off by 15 minutes. But despite defeat on a grey, wet afternoon in the north-west of England, there were positives for the visitors.
In Szemik, they had one of the best players on the pitch.
Along with her saves, the Poland goalkeeper’s handling was secure and distribution was generally good.
Martinez’s outstanding finish means she has now scored in three successive WSL games.
After picking up four points in their past two games, the Hammers seemed set for an unlikely point, which would have been their first this season after conceding the opening goal.
That it took a set-piece to beat them 19 minutes from time, on a day when defensive mainstays Anouk Denton and Shelina Zadorsky were absent, was evidence of West Ham’s durability.
It should provide Hammers boss Rehanne Skinner with belief that victory can be achieved in next Sunday’s crucial encounter with Liverpool, who remain the only side below West Ham in the table.
