If West Ham Women suffer Super League relegation it won’t be for a lack of trying, according to manager Olli Harder.
The Hammers had the better of the chances but were held to a goalless draw by fifth-placed Everton.
That leaves them a slender two points and two places above the relegation place with three games to play, but Harder isn’t panicking yet.
“I’m disappointed we didn’t win,” he said.
“I thought we deserved to win. I thought we created the bulk of the big chances.
“The work rate was unbelievable, and that’s what we asked for. I’m happy with the performance, but we’re not looking for performances, we’re looking for results.
“We’ll take the point, it’s another small step forward. We’ll get there slowly, hopefully.”
West Ham’s form has taken an upturn at a crucial point in the season and they are now unbeaten in three league games, keeping clean sheets in each.
Their next assignment is a daunting one, however, as they face Arsenal on Wednesday.
Martha Thomas watched her header hit the crossbar in the second half against Everton and that was as close as either side came in Dagenham.
Harder singled out former Paris Saint Germain star Kenza Dali for praise in a scrappy game that didn’t suit her attacking instincts.
“Kenza Dali was outstanding, the best 90 minutes I’ve seen from her,” he said.
“I called her out at the end too. I thought everybody was very good.
“I thought there were two players who were outstanding today in terms of their respective roles within the team – Kate Longhurst and Kenza Dali.
“This is not a game where Kenza would typically thrive because it’s very chaotic and physical, but she managed to find moments in the game to make the difference on the ball, and find nice passes.
“I thought she showed why she’s a world class player today. I was extremely pleased with that because it wasn’t a game 'for Kenza'.”
