West Ham 2-3 Bristol City: Robins get first WSL win of the season
Brooke Aspin's second-half header gave Bristol City their first win of the Women's Super League season as they beat West Ham in a five-goal thriller.
Hosts West Ham dominated the opening exchanges and broke the deadlock when Viviane Asseyi slotted home from the penalty spot after a Megan Connolly handball.
Their lead lasted for only five minutes as Amalie Thestrup leapt highest inside the box to nod home a well-weighted Rachel Furness cross.
The visitors' improvement continued and they went ahead when Ella Powell turned home after Mackenzie Arnold pushed an acrobatic Amy Rodgers effort into her path.
Riko Ueki ensured the sides entered the break on an equal footing after turning home a pass from Japanese compatriot Honoka Hayashi.
Connolly atoned for giving away the first-half penalty by looping a second-half free-kick towards Aspin, who headed home the visitors' third.
West Ham were unable to get back on level terms and their visitors even looked to have extended their lead when Thestrup found the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
The result leaves Bristol sitting second-bottom, three points ahead of point-less Aston Villa.
West Ham are eighth with four points after their opening five matches.
Bristol finally get points on the board
Bristol City have had to endure a tough start to life in the top flight after returning to the WSL this season.
The promoted Robins suffered defeats in each of their opening four games, although they managed to limit title candidates Arsenal to just a one-goal victory margin in their final fixture before the international break.
Success was hard earned against West Ham and they had to toil to ensure the Hammers were unable to respond to their third goal.
Carrie Jones' interception was required to prevent Ueki gaining a sight of goal and grabbing a goal back, though that challenge forced Ueki to be substituted off through injury.
Lauren Smith's side were able to ensure the hosts' pressure waned and avoid a repeat of the frantic first half.
West Ham had 64% of the possession and late chances for Asseyi and Mel Filis, but they could not find a route back.
There is potential for Bristol City to pick up more points next weekend when they host a Villa side who were beaten 6-0 by Chelsea in this latest round of games.
West Ham have won just once this season and take on Manchester United next Sunday.
