Carla Ward praised Rachel Daly’s "wholehearted" nature as Aston Villa fought hard to secure a 3-2 victory against West Ham in the Women's Super League on Sunday.

Viviane Asseyi broke the deadlock for the home side but the first-half goal was cancelled out by Anna Patten. 

Adriana Leon put the visitors in front against her former club before Lisa Evans slammed a thunderous effort to level the game for West Ham. 

However, 31-year-old Daly notched the winner in the third minute of stoppage time to extend Villa's winning run to three games in all competitions. 

Villans boss Ward said: "Top-drawer finish and that's what Rachel Daly really does. 

"Not did she scored the winning goal, she manages to clear the danger in the dying seconds to help us win the game. 

"She is wholehearted and a wonderful footballer. England manager Sarina Wiegman utilises her in different positions on international duty. 

"We must give credit to Rachel because she can play anywhere on the pitch."

After losing the opening five league matches, the pressure on Ward's position as Villa head coach has eased in recent weeks. 

She added: "You either roll over or roll your sleeves over and dig in. I am one of those people who just work hard as much they can. 

"Momentum can shift during the season and we had a tough start. We were brilliant and we thoroughly deserved the victory."

West Ham boss Rehanne Skinner was disappointed not to take anything out of the game. 

She said: "We dominated the majority of the game in the way we’ve played, especially out of possession. We pressed and caused Villa so many problems.

"We are disappointed with the missed opportunities and our defensive set-plays that gave them time and space. 

"It took 10 minutes in the second half to figure out their adjustments when Jordan Nobbs came on. After that, we dominated the game and we're disappointed not to come away with anything."