West Ham Women’s team had been without their experienced and influential captain Katrina Gorry in recent weeks.

The Australian international made her return to action in an entertaining 5-2 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Gorry had been out of action for the last three weeks since the Hammers defeat away at Brighton last month in which the 32 year old scored a brace.

Working alongside the Club’s medical team, the Hammers skipper got herself back fit and made her return in Sunday’s London derby at home against Crystal Palace.

In what was a hugely entertaining game, Rehanne Skinner’s side found themselves 2-0 down in the first ten minutes. Goals from Viv Asseyi, Seraina Piubel and Manuela Pavi saw the Hammers go into half time with a 3-2 lead.

A late goal from Anouk Denton made it four, before Club captain Gorry fired home at the back post in injury time giving the Hammers a fifth goal and sealing a huge three points. The 32 year old’s goal was her third of the season making her West Ham’s current top goalscorer in the WSL.

Being the Hammers current top goalscorer emphasises Gorry’s importance to Rehanne Skinner’s side. Her influence goes beyond her vast experience as a professional and her leadership qualities. It’s clear to see that she will play a central role in the Hammers having a succesful season and finishing this campaign in a strong position.

The three points against Palace can allow the Hammers to start to look upwards rather than over their shoulders. Now sat in 8th place, Rehanne Skinner’s side are just a point behind Liverpool in 7th and two points behind Tottenham in 6th.

Coming from two goals down to win 5-2 shows there is plenty of fight in this West Ham team. The performance should give the Hammers plenty of confidence and a strong base to build from moving forward. Their next league game, before the WSL’s winter break, against Aston Villa is another huge game in which the Hammers will be hoping to pick up another positive result.