Inside track on West Ham | Kathryn Batte on recent run of form

It’s a London derby on Sunday as we travel to West Ham United in the Barclays Women’s Super League.

Rehanne Skinner’s side head into the encounter on the back of an excellent 1-1 draw with Manchester City last time out, with them currently placed ninth in the table on 15 points.

Ahead of our trip to Chigwell Construction Stadium, we caught with Kathryn Batte once again to see how West Ham have fared since the turn of the year…

How would you reflect on the run of form since the turn of the year from West Ham?

Kathryn: “I’ve been pretty impressed with West Ham’s recent form. They managed a draw with Manchester City and were only narrowly beaten by Arsenal. Their win over Brighton in February was probably their standout game. They’ve managed to take themselves safely away from the relegation battle and will be looking upwards from their current position.”

Who have been the standout players so far this season?

Kathryn: “Vivianne Asseyi and Katrina Gorry are two players that stand out but that’s not surprising given their experience. I’ve also been impressed by young left back Anouk Denton. She’s definitely a player to watch.”

How would you look back at our previous encounter with West Ham and what can we expect?

Kathryn: “That previous league game will be remembered for the bizarre own goal which earned Spurs a dramatic late victory. I’m sure West Ham will be using that as motivation going into Sunday’s fixture. In the previous match we also saw West Ham utilise their strength at set-pieces, with Riko Ueki scoring from a corner. That’s something Spurs will have to look out for again.”

What are the targets for West Ham heading into the final stretch of the season?

Kathryn: “West Ham could go above Spurs if they win this game which shows just how close it is around the middle of the table. Now they’re safely away from the relegation spot, they’ll be hoping to finish as high as possible. They’d probably be happy with a seventh place finish.”