Russo almost broke the deadlock in the visitor’s first attack of the second half when her powerful effort was saved by Arnold. Toone picked up possession deep inside the West Ham half and played the ball wide to her right to find Russo just inside the penalty area. It seemed as if Russo was lining up for a cross but instead, she unleashed a shot that was almost violent in its ferocity. Arnold was equal to it though and made another heroic intervention to stop the visitors going ahead.
West Ham conceded a goal of their own making in the 54th minute as they failed to deal with an outswinging corner. Kate Longhurst’s attempted clearance was blocked by Galton and the ball dropped to Toone on the edge of the six yard box with her back to goal. Toone’s overhead kick ricocheted off Gilly Flaherty and the ball trickled into the net past the helpless Arnold.
West Ham responded well to going a goal down and came close on a couple of occasions as Yallop and Svitkova squandered opportunities to get the Hammers level.
Olli Harder’s team were eventually rewarded for their determination when Svitkova’s corner from the left was headed in off the post by Grace Fisk. The West Ham defender, playing in her first match back from injury, rose highest at the near post and directed her header past Mary Earps in the Manchester United goal to earn her team a point.
The fact that Olli Harder’s side have now set a club record for points in a WSL season is even more impressive when you consider they still have five games remaining. Whatever happens between now and the end of the season, this campaign will be regarded as a successful one for the club.
West Ham have the opportunity to build on their success as they turn their attention to Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final match against FA Women’s National League South team, Ipswich Town.