What West Ham star Katerina Svitkova was unsure about during Aston Villa victory

West Ham’s game-winner Katerina Svitkova was initially uncertain about her decision-making in the crucial moment — but was elated when it paid off to beat Aston Villa 2-1.

The Hammers took advantage of Hannah Hampton’s goalkeeping error to pull ahead through Abbey-Leigh Stringer on 12 minutes at the Banks’s Stadium.

Alisha Lehmann’s spot-kick then levelled things up just before the break but Svitkova finally had her moment at the 52-minute mark to seal victory for the away side.

“It was a really tough game and I think we had to push each other,” said the winger.

“The conditions were not good and the pitch wasn’t good, but we managed it well and we played like a team, so I’m buzzing.”

The Hammers moved above Brighton and up to seventh in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League following what was the final fixture of the weekend, but they were helped along the way by their hosts’ generosity.

West Ham were ahead after 12 minutes when Svitkova’s corner was dropped by Aston Villa goalkeeper Hampton and the ball was forced into the net by Stringer following a scramble.

The hosts had actually started well but were restricted to shooting from distance, with captain Remi Allen and Sarah Mayling both sending efforts harmlessly off target.

However, Villa were awarded a penalty three minutes before half-time when Ramona Petzelberger was bundled over in the box by Lucy Parker and Lehmann sent her spot-kick into the bottom corner.

Parity lasted until the 52nd minute when the Hammers restored their lead, as Svitkova caught Anna Patten in possession on the edge of the area before scoring by shooting between Hampton’s legs.

“For my goal, their midfield gave the ball away and I managed to get the ball," she explained.

“I got a chance and