Viviane Asseyi netted a second-half hat-trick at Dagenham & Redbridge as Skinner sat in the home dugout for the first time in pre-season.

And the new manager saw plenty of positives from the Hammers ahead of the 2023-24 Women’s Super League season.

“We created some good chances in the first half and just lacked that clinical touch,” she told whufc.com.

“It was really positive that we were able to create those clear-cut moments.

“Then in the second half we had players coming off the bench that made a real impact and we were able to take our chances.”

France international Asseyi took her chances well, with a bicycle kick finish completing her treble in the last minute.

“If she does that in the WSL then it will be up for goal of the season!” added Skinner.

“Credit to her, she did something very similar in a training game we played on Friday, so she was teeing herself up for that.

“It was a really tough day weather-wise as well, so all credit to the players. It was a really positive day.”

Skinner only took over the position in late July, after Paul Konchesky’s departure at the end of last season.

But she has been pleased with the progress made in the weeks since her appointment.

“Since I’ve come in, the players have wanted to learn, been willing to adjust and you’re starting to see that on the pitch,” she said.

“I want players to have confidence in their ability on the ball and we’re growing in confidence with every game we play.

“We’ve also been able to show there’s depth in the squad and we’ve got options in terms of being able to manoeuvre people around.

“That will be important during the league season because we will need to be ready to face different shapes and styles.

“We saw a really good mindset from the players and I’m happy with what I saw from them.

“I heard lots of people making comments about how positive the game was and they really enjoyed that, and that’s what we need to try and do throughout the season.

“We want to be able to make sure the fans come and watch football they really enjoy watching, see some goals and see our players at their best.”


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