The evening was just beginning to descend at The Valley on Wednesday when Ffion Morgan struck her very first competitive goal since signing for the West Ham in the summer.
With West Ham winless to start the season, new signing Ffion Morgan received the ball just outside the box. She steadied herself, one touch was enough to get the ball under her spell before she struck it cleanly, “I think I was a bit shocked when it went in and everyone was buzzing” she laughs.
Morgan was being modest of course, the ball found the corner with inch perfect accuracy, something that will have delighted head coach Rehanne Skinner. The Welsh attacker was speaking exclusively with The Halfway Line after her side’s 5-1 victory over Charlton Athletic.
‘What we are doing in training is working’ asserts Ffion Morgan
West Ham have endured a difficult start to the season. Prior to last night the Irons had conceded 10 and scored just two. However that stat saw a big improvement last night as the side looked a far more cohesive attacking unit against Charlton, putting five past the hosts.
“We’ve been working on creating better chances” Morgan said.
“I think, you know, we’re on the same page in a lot of the passes and the plays that we’re doing, so to get a finish at the end of it and get the chances on goal as well, it shows that what we’re doing in training is working. So yeah, [we need to] take that to the league now.”
Moving away can be difficult especially after having played for her previous club Bristol City since 2021. However the Welsh striker is starting to make it look easy.
“I mean, it’s a big change from home and I am missing my family, but yeah, I love being here” Morgan said.
“The football has been challenging and hard, but it’s what I’ve wanted. I really feel like I’m developing, which is what I came here to do.”
Rehanne Skinner has given Morgan ‘confidence’
Since signing for West Ham in the summer Skinner has slowly integrated her into the team. The Welsh attacker started her first game for West Ham on Wednesday night and made the most of the opportunity.
“It’s fun [playing under Rehanne Skinner]” Morgan smiled. “I’m here to develop, and I already feel like I’m coming on leaps and bounds and getting the confidence to take people on and use my speed, and Rehanne is backing me in my decisions to do that.”
Despite a patchy start West Ham’s next two games are at home, the Irons enjoyed their best ever home season in the league last term.
“Dagenham you know that’s our home pitch! And we make it really hard for teams when they come to us, and hopefully we’ll do that the next two games.”
Morgan ‘excited’ by Australia and Poland friendlies
Morgan’s Wales enjoyed an historic summer, despite exiting at the group stage, the minnows made their debut at a major tournament. This month the FAW [Football Association Wales] announced two prestige friendlies, to be played in the next international break.
“I mean, we’ve got two games coming up, Australia, Poland at home” Morgan said.
“So both really exciting games. I’m looking forward to going back and see my family but seeing the Welsh girls as well.”
