WEST HAM UNITED
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A Pictorial History
2001-02 FA Premier Reserve League
Manager: Roger Cross
WIMBLEDON
Victoria Ground
2 - 0 (Britton 2 [2 pens]
28 August 2001
Forrest
Johnson
Minto
Cascione (Ferrante)
Potts
Soma
Newton
Britton (Eastwood)
Garcia
Riza
Courtois
West Ham United Reserves launched their campaign with real purpose, stitching together a confident, energetic display at Dagenham & Redbridge’s Victoria Road to see off Wimbledon. The side blended youthful spark with seasoned calm, none more so than 17‑year‑old England youth international Glen Johnson lining up beside the ever‑reliable Steve Potts, whose authority at the back set the tone throughout.
The opening half was tight but lively, with Leon Britton buzzing between the lines and Manny Cascione twice threatening to break the deadlock. Wimbledon held their shape, but West Ham carried the sharper intent, moving the ball with growing assurance as the interval approached.
The breakthrough arrived just four minutes after the restart. Omer Riza was hauled down as he burst into the box, and Britton stepped up with icy composure, sliding a low penalty beyond former Hammer Ian Feuer. Before Wimbledon could regroup, West Ham struck again. Richard Garcia was clipped as he drove into the area, earning a second spot‑kick and a red card for the visitors. Britton repeated the trick, dispatching his penalty with the same cool precision to double the lead.
With a man advantage, the Hammers looked poised to turn the screw, but Wimbledon dug in stubbornly. It was here that the experience in claret and blue truly told. Potts marshalled the back line superbly, Raggy Soma matched him stride for stride, and together they snuffed out any hint of a Wimbledon revival. The final whistle confirmed a deserved win - built on discipline, sharp finishing, and a promising blend of youth and experience that hinted at a strong season ahead.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST
City Ground
1 - 2 (Courtois)
4 September 2001
McMahon B.
Byrne
Minto
Ferrante (Cascione)
Foxe
U'ddin
Newton
Garcia
Kitson (Clark)
Riza
Courtois
West Ham United Reserves pushed Nottingham Forest all the way, producing a gritty, determined performance that deserved far more than it yielded. The game swung early when Billy McMahon was beaten twice by clever first‑half chips, but the scoreline never reflected the balance of play. Once the Hammers settled, they began to move the ball with real fluency, carving through Forest’s lines with sharp interchanges and confident running from deep.
The second half belonged largely to West Ham. Their pressure finally told when Laurent Courtois struck midway through the period, finishing a flowing move that showcased the side’s renewed purpose. From there, the momentum was firmly claret and blue. Forest were forced deeper and deeper as the Hammers probed for an equaliser, stretching the defence with quick combinations and intelligent movement. Despite the sustained pressure and several promising openings, the final touch eluded them.
There were positives throughout the side. Hayden Foxe, returning after a broken finger, delivered a composed, authoritative display at the back, reading danger well and stepping out confidently. Paul Kitson, making his comeback from a hamstring injury, showed glimpses of sharpness before being withdrawn at half‑time with a strained thigh.
In the end, the Hammers walked off frustrated but far from discouraged. The spirit, the football, and the second‑half dominance all pointed to a team with plenty more to give - and on another day, they would have taken something tangible from a performance full of intent.
SOUTHAMPTON
Victoria Ground
1 - 0 (Kitson)
25 September 2001
Forrest
Potts
Foxe
Soma
Newton
Johnson
Britton
Byrne
Garcia
Todorov
Kitson
Paul Kitson’s first‑half finish earned West Ham United Reserves a hard‑fought 1–0 victory at Dagenham & Redbridge’s Victoria Ground, capping a performance built on sharp attacking play and disciplined defending. The Hammers carved out several early chances through Shaun Byrne, Svetoslav Todorov and Richard Garcia, each stretching the visitors with clever movement and quick combinations. The breakthrough arrived on 35 minutes: Glen Johnson, just 17 but already playing with remarkable poise, surged forward and created the opening that Kitson swept home from close range.
The young midfield unit of Byrne, Garcia, Leon Britton, Johnson and Shaun Newton dictated much of the tempo, snapping into challenges and moving the ball with confidence. Behind them, Hayden Foxe, Steve Potts and Raggy Soma formed a calm, uncompromising defensive spine that rarely looked troubled.
Southampton sparked into life after the interval, forcing Craig Forrest into several smart stops as they pushed for a way back. Yet despite the pressure, West Ham never truly looked like surrendering their lead. The resilience at the back, coupled with the energy and invention shown earlier, ensured the Hammers saw out a deserved win.
IPSWICH TOWN
Portman Road
2 - 3 (Garcia, Kitson)
3 October 2001
Bywater
Minto
Potts
Foxe
Soma
Newton
Ferrante
Moncur (Johnson)
Britton
Kitson
Garcia
Richard Garcia’s dismissal overshadowed what had been a spirited, enterprising West Ham United Reserves performance in a narrow and frustrating defeat at Ipswich Town. The Australian midfielder had already made his mark with a well‑taken header from a Leon Britton corner, only to see his afternoon cut short on 75 minutes for a challenge that looked anything but malicious.
Before the red card drama, the Hammers had shown real bite in attack. Paul Kitson continued his impressive scoring streak, squeezing a left‑footed effort home from an impossibly tight angle to give West Ham early momentum. But just as they seemed to be taking control, a costly mix‑up between Stephen Bywater and Hayden Foxe gifted Ipswich a lifeline. The Tractor Boys seized the moment, adding a second before the interval to turn the match on its head.
Even with the setback, West Ham refused to fold. They pushed forward with purpose, moved the ball crisply, and looked the more likely side to find the next goal—right up until Garcia’s harsh dismissal tilted the balance. Reduced to ten men, the Hammers dug in bravely, only to be undone at the death when loose marking allowed Ipswich to snatch a late winner.
It was a cruel ending to a performance full of endeavour and attacking promise. On another day, the resilience, the goals, and the overall quality of play would have earned far more than a long, empty journey home.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Stevenage Borough
2 - 2 (Kitson 2)
16 October 2001
Bywater
Johnson
Minto
Lomas (Britton)
Potts
Foxe
Newton
McCann
Kitson
Todorov (Riza)
Courtois
Paul Kitson continued his prolific Reserve‑team form with another brace as West Ham battled to a 2–2 draw against Spurs at Stevenage Borough. The afternoon also delivered a major boost with Steve Lomas marking his comeback with a strong, controlled 75‑minute outing.
Coach Roger Cross was full of praise for the performance and felt his side should have taken all three points. Kitson set the tone early, striking in the fifth minute after coolly beating Kasey Keller one‑on‑one. But the lead barely lasted; Tim Sherwood levelled just two minutes later before going on to put Spurs ahead.
West Ham carved out chances to respond — Adam Newton, Leon Britton and Svetoslav Todorov all went close - but the equaliser seemed to be slipping away.
“I thought we were never going to score again,” admitted Cross. But with three minutes left, Kitson pounced, reacting quickest after a Glen Johnson header from a corner to smash home the leveller. “Kits showed real determination and enthusiasm for the goal. I was well pleased with him.”
Cross was equally encouraged by Lomas’s return. “It was his first proper game since January and he looked strong. He would have played the full 90, but we had to be sensible. He could easily have taken another knock and it wasn’t worth the risk.”
CHARLTON ATHLETIC
Victoria Road
0 - 1
23 October 2001
McMahon B.
Johnson
Soma
Ferrante
U'ddin
Potts
Newton
McCann
Todorov (Camara)
Riza
Britton (Clark)
Roger Cross gave long‑term injury absentee Titi Camara a welcome 25‑minute run‑out, introducing him on 65 minutes for Svetoslav Todorov in a youthful West Ham United Reserve side at the Victoria Ground. Aside from the evergreen Steve Potts, Camara was the only player over 23, with Cross forced to field a largely academy‑driven XI just a day before the first team’s clash with Chelsea at Upton Park.
Charlton, too, named an inexperienced line‑up, save for senior pros John Salako and Clive Mendonca. The match turned on a contentious moment half an hour in, when Anwar Uddin was harshly penalised for a challenge in the box despite clearly winning the ball. Charlie MacDonald converted the resulting penalty, leaving the Hammers chasing the game.
West Ham responded well. Todorov and Grant McCann both went close before the interval, and in front of a healthy crowd the young Hammers dominated possession after the break. Their approach play was bright and inventive, but the finishing touch continued to elude them as chance after chance slipped away.
Cross didn’t hide his frustration afterwards. “The performance wasn’t good enough and the result was disappointing,” he admitted. “The penalty was harsh - Anwar did lunge in, but he won the ball cleanly, so I was upset when the linesman gave it.
“At least Titi got back out there after such a long lay‑off. Hopefully this is the first step toward him regaining full fitness and playing a bigger part again.”
CHELSEA
Victoria Road
1 - 0 (McCann)
31 October 2001
James
Johnson
Soma
Lomas
Song
Potts
Newton
Moncur
Kitson
Defoe (Riza)
McCann
David James and Steve Lomas both completed 90 valuable minutes for the Reserves after long injury lay‑offs – but the night wasn’t without drama, as John Moncur saw red in the second half.
James was properly worked on his return, while Lomas turned in another composed, industrious display against a lively young Chelsea side managed by former Hammers assistant Mick McGiven.
West Ham looked set for a comfortable evening when they struck early, Grant McCann curling a sweet left‑footed free‑kick into the net after just five minutes. Despite dominating possession from that point, the Hammers couldn’t carve out another clear chance before the break. James’ first real involvement came on 26 minutes, when he dropped low to gather a firm drive with reassuring ease.
After half-time, West Ham continued to dictate the tempo but found Chelsea stubborn and well‑organised at the back. The task became harder when Moncur was dismissed for a second bookable offence, and moments later James was forced into his first serious save of the night – racing out to smother a fierce effort from substitute Carlton Cole after McCann’s loose back‑pass.
Omer Riza almost sealed it late on after replacing Jermain Defoe, spinning cleverly in the box only to see Chelsea keeper Rhys Evans beat away his shot brilliantly.
WATFORD
Vicarage Road
3 - 1 (McCann 2, Todorov)
7 November 2001
James
Newton
U'ddin
Potts
Soma
Clark
Garcia
Lomas
McCann
Camara (Riza)
Todorov
West Ham overturned a half‑time deficit at Vicarage Road to claim their second straight FA Premier Reserve League South victory — with Grant McCann once again at the heart of it. The Northern Ireland midfielder, whose superb free‑kick settled the previous match against Chelsea, struck twice, while Svetoslav Todorov added the other.
The Hammers should have been ahead long before Watford snatched the opener against the run of play. Todorov passed up a clear early chance, while Titi Camara - making his first start since February - and Richard Garcia also went close without finding the target.
Six minutes after the restart, West Ham finally made their pressure count. Adam Newton burst forward and laid the ball off for McCann, who swept home the equaliser. Three minutes later the turnaround was complete, Garcia delivering a fine cross that Todorov met with a firm header.
The points were sealed ten minutes from time. Substitute Omer Riza worked space cleverly on the edge of the box before slipping the ball to McCann, who tapped in his second and West Ham’s third.
FULHAM
Kingfield Ground, Woking FC
1 - 3 (Garcia)
14 November 2001
James
Newton
Clark
Laurie (Ferrante)
Potts
U'ddin
Garcia
Lomas
McCann
Camara (Britton)
Riza
Fulham punished West Ham United Reserves for a rare off‑day at the back, handing the league leaders a win at Woking’s Kingfield ground after a string of defensive lapses the Hammers will want to forget.
A side that had conceded only twice in their previous three outings was breached early when West Ham failed to clear a 13th‑minute corner. The loose ball was worked back into the danger area and Willock pounced to put Fulham ahead. Their second was even more frustrating: David James misjudged Michael‑Betsy’s inswinging corner, allowing it to slip through his hands and over the line.
Five minutes after the restart, things worsened. Willock was brought down by Steven Clark, and McAnespie sent James the wrong way from the spot to make it 3–0.
West Ham finally found a foothold 20 minutes from time. Richard Garcia burst onto a through ball and forced Marcus Hahnemann into a block, but the rebound fell kindly for Omer Riza, who smashed it home. Riza twice threatened again late on, but by then the damage was already done.
It was a frustrating afternoon defined by uncharacteristic errors—moments that proved costly against a clinical Fulham
LEICESTER CITY
Upton Park
2 - 2 (Garcia 2)
20 November 2001
James
Charles (Britton)
McCann
Potts
Cleaver
Newton
Cole
Moncur
Courtois
Garcia
Riza
West Ham were left nursing a sense of injustice after a strong, cohesive display at Upton Park was undone by a late, controversial Leicester equaliser from Dean Sturridge, who looked suspiciously offside as he broke through to beat David James with just two minutes remaining.
Leicester had struck first seven minutes before the interval, Trevor Benjamin cutting inside Gary Charles and unleashing a fierce 25‑yard drive that flashed past James at his near post. The lead lasted only five minutes. Adam Newton’s excellent cross caused panic, and when his clearance fell loose, Richard Garcia reacted quickest, guiding a composed side‑footed finish beyond Simon Royce.
Garcia’s second - an 11‑minutes‑from‑time goal that felt every inch the winner - was a sweeping team move of real quality. Joe Cole, growing in influence on his return from injury, arced a glorious pass out to Omer Riza on the left. Riza picked out Laurent Courtois, who pivoted smartly before squaring for Garcia to stab home from close range. But West Ham’s deserved victory evaporated six minutes later when Sturridge struck, leaving players and supporters alike furious at the missed offside.
Coach Roger Cross summed up the mixed emotions afterwards. He praised the performance, the spirit, and Joe Cole’s encouraging return to fitness, but his sympathy lay with Gary Charles, who was forced off late on with yet another recurrence of the hamstring trouble that has dogged him for so long.
COVENTRY CITY
Victoria Ground
1 - 1 (Camara)
4 December 2001
Andersson
Charles (Smith D.)
Ramis
Foxe (U'ddin)
Byrne
Newton
Ferrante
Garcia
Britton
Riza
Camara
West Ham produced enough football to win the game twice over, yet for the second match running a late goal snatched victory from their grasp. The match crackled from the start: Titi Camara’s early cross was inches from finding Richard Garcia, and Michael Ferrante forced Andy Goram into a sharp save. Coventry replied through Jairo Martínez, but Sven Andersson - impressive throughout - blocked well.
The Hammers controlled most of the first half. Garcia saw a header tipped over, Omer Riza flashed a fierce drive across goal, and a flurry of half‑chances came and went before the breakthrough finally arrived on 40 minutes. Ferrante’s corner found Camara at the far post, and the striker powered in the opener.
West Ham kept the momentum after the break. Garcia’s drive was beaten away, Camara’s volley forced another save, and Riza twice threatened on the counter. Coventry, though, grew into the half. Normann and Martínez both went close, Joachim was denied brilliantly by Andersson, and the Sky Blues kept probing.
The Hammers still had chances to kill it - Riza blazed over on the break and then saw another effort saved after Leon Britton’s superb cross‑field pass. Those misses proved costly. With three minutes left, Normann cut inside and unleashed a left‑footer that crashed in off the underside of the bar.
West Ham nearly stole it at the death, but Camara miscued a header from Adam Newton’s cross. Even so, there were positives: Andersson stood out, trialist Luis Ramis impressed at centre‑back, and both Garcia and Riza continued their strong seasons - though perhaps with some frustration at seeing Camara parachuted back into the squad ahead of them.
DERBY COUNTY
Baseball Ground
2 - 3 (Camara, Riza)
10 December 2001
Andersson
Byrne
Minto
Garcia
Foxe
Potts
Newton
McCann
Camara
Riza
Courtois
West Ham led twice on a freezing, fog‑threatened night at Derby, only to be undone yet again by late lapses at the back. The Hammers started brightly: Courtois forced an early save, but Derby struck first when Danny Morris was tripped in the box and Giorgi Kinkladze buried the penalty. A reshuffle pushed Shaun Byrne into midfield, and it paid off. Grant McCann’s clever lob sent Titi Camara through on 23 minutes, and he drilled in the equaliser.
West Ham finished the half on top, with Omer Riza twice going close, but Derby emerged stronger after the break. Morris, Twigg and Danny Morris all threatened before Andersson produced a superb double intervention - first blocking Marvin Robinson’s shot, then watching Steve Potts clear the resulting corner off the line.
On 80 minutes, Richard Garcia - outstanding all night - burst forward and threaded a perfect pass for Riza, who finished coolly to make it 2–1. But the lead evaporated within four minutes when a routine cross from Lewis Hunt was misjudged, allowing Robinson a free header into the corner. Worse followed on 89 minutes: another Hunt delivery dropped to Finachra McCardle, who drilled home from the edge of the box to complete the turnaround.
A bitter ending, but there were bright spots: Garcia delivered a man‑of‑the‑match display, Riza continued his excellent form, and Andersson again impressed between the posts.
ARSENAL
Underhill Stadium, Barnet FC
1 - 2 (Garcia)
17 December 2001
Andersson
Newton
Minto
Garcia
Foxe
Potts
Riza
McCann
Todorov
Camara (U'ddin)
Courtois
Steve Potts saw only the second red card of his long career on a night where West Ham battled hard but couldn’t quite hold Arsenal at bay. The dismissal - harsh in Roger Cross’s view, insisting Potts genuinely played the ball - handed Arsenal a penalty, which Francis Jeffers clipped against the post.
Arsenal had shaded the early play, yet it was West Ham who struck first on 11 minutes when Richard Garcia powered in a superb header from Laurent Courtois’ inswinging corner. The lead lasted barely a minute: slack marking allowed a clipped ball to find Jeffers unmarked, and he tucked away the simplest of equalisers.
With Potts off, Anwar Uddin replaced Titi Camara at the break to restore defensive balance, and the 10‑man Hammers actually improved after half‑time. Arsenal created fewer chances, but they found the winner on 68 minutes when a corner broke kindly - Scott Minto got a touch, the ball dropped to Junichi Inamoto, and he volleyed home to the delight of the travelling Japanese press.
West Ham fought to the end, but the early red card and brief lapses proved costly.
IPSWICH TOWN
Victoria Ground
1 - 1 (Todorov)
8 January 2002
Andersson
Charles (Johnson)
Minto
Foxe
Soma
Newton (Riza)
Garcia
Byrne (Ferrante)
Todorov
Camara
McCann
West Ham edged the first half, missed a penalty, and still did more than enough to earn their point. McCann went close early, while Marcus Stewart and Titi Camara traded near‑misses at the other end. The breakthrough seemed certain when Adam Newton was bundled over and a penalty awarded, but Shaun Byrne’s spot‑kick - taken after a brief tug‑of‑war with Todorov - was pushed aside by Keith Branagan. Ipswich almost punished the miss immediately, yet Pablo Couñago headed wide, and Richard Garcia’s driving run later set up Todorov for another Branagan save.
McCann forced the keeper into action again before Sven Andersson denied Darren Ambrose just before the interval. The second half slowed until Newton burst through, only for Branagan to block again. Camara’s overhead effort skimmed wide, and Ipswich struck on 77 minutes when John McGreal was allowed a free header - an all‑too‑familiar flaw in West Ham’s season.
Omer Riza’s lively cameo sparked the hosts, his solo run drawing yet another Branagan stop. From the resulting corner, Todorov stabbed home through a crowd to level on 84 minutes. Ipswich threatened once more through Couñago, but the draw stood - fair reward for a West Ham side whose performances deserve far more if they can cut out the soft goals.
WIMBLEDON
Kingstonia FC
4 - 0 (Riza 2, Courtois, Garcia)
14 January 2002
Andersson
Rosenior
Minto
Foxe
Soma
Newton
Garcia
McCann
Courtois
Todorov
Riza
West Ham controlled a low‑key contest that offered little goalmouth action, and although the late flurry of goals made the scoreline look emphatic, the result reflected their superiority. The breakthrough came on 26 minutes when Omer Riza latched onto a through ball, skipped past a retreating defender and finished coolly. His lay‑off later gave Laurent Courtois a sight of goal, the Frenchman drilling narrowly wide. Wimbledon threatened only once before the interval, Andersson holding Per Karlsson’s long‑range effort after two brave blocks.
The game was effectively settled four minutes into the second half when another slick move sent Riza clear again; he rounded the keeper and tucked home his second. Wimbledon huffed without ever troubling Andersson, their efforts hopeful rather than dangerous.
The crowd finally stirred on 86 minutes when Richard Garcia collected a Riza pass and unleashed a dipping 25‑yard rocket that flew beyond the keeper. In stoppage time, Grant McCann struck the post after a flowing move, but Courtois followed in to bury the rebound.
It was a much‑needed clean sheet and a result that better reflected West Ham’s performances this season, especially against a Wimbledon side packed with experience. Trialist Liam Rosenior impressed at right‑back, defending firmly and using the ball intelligently.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Upton Park
0 - 0
22 January 2002
Andersson
Rosenior
Labant (Britton)
Soma
Johnson
Lomas (Byrne)
Garcia
Newton
McCann
Kitson
Riza
New signing Vladimir Labant made his first appearance in a Hammers shirt against Forest at Upton park, while injury victim Steve Lomas made his return to action having been sidelined since November with a broken toe.
Club Captain Lomas gave a typically dogged display in midfield while Labant, playing at left-back, brought back memories of Julian Dicks with some determined tackling and a cultured left foot. But it was a frustrating evening for the Hammers, failing to find the net after 18 attempts on goal. Omer Riza and Paul Kitson were both guilty of missing good chances while Marlon Harewood for Forest also missed a glaring opportunity to secure victory. Adam Newton whipped a dangerous cross into the box in the dying moments but Riza failed to find the target with his header and West Ham's last chance went begging. Young Liam Rosenior gave another solid display at right-back in the second of his two trial matches for the West Ham Reserves.
ARSENAL
Upton Park
1 - 2 (Todorov)
12 February 2002
Forde
Charles
Soma
Pearce I. (Riza)
Potts
Irekpen
Byrne
Ferrante
Todorov
Camara
Courtois
West Ham led for more than an hour at Upton Park but were undone by two late Arsenal goals, a harsh finish after a disciplined defensive display and a bright first half. Arsenal struck first through Sergei Rebrov’s powerful sixth‑minute header, but the Hammers responded superbly. After debutant goalkeeper David Forde had held a deflected Francis Jeffers effort, Svetoslav Todorov levelled on 17 minutes, sliding the ball past David Seaman after a through‑ball evaded Tony Adams’ challenge.
Arsenal’s best first‑half move saw Jérémie Aliadière set up Jeffers, who dragged a left‑footed effort just wide, while Titi Camara curled a free‑kick narrowly past the post at the other end. Early in the second half Todorov’s sharp turn and low cross almost found Shaun Byrne, Seaman scrambling clear, but from that point West Ham faded as an attacking force even while looking comfortable defensively.
The final ten minutes changed everything. Forde produced a brilliant close‑range save from Aliadière, but from the resulting spell of pressure Arsenal equalised on 81 minutes, Tony Adams stooping to head in a driven corner. Ben Chorley then headed over from another corner before the decisive moment arrived in the 89th minute: Edu collected a loose ball 30 yards out, took a touch, and unleashed an unstoppable left‑footed strike into the top corner.
A disappointing end, but there were positives - most notably Ian Pearce completing three‑quarters of the match and Izzy Iriekpen playing the full 90 minutes on their long‑awaited returns.
CHARLTON ATHLETIC
Park View Road, Welling United FC
2 - 0 (Allen 2)
20 February 2002
Bywater
Charles
Soma
Ferrante
Potts
Johnson
Newton
McCann
Eastwood (Allen)
Riza
Britton
West Ham’s young reserves earned an excellent win at Welling, overcoming a far more experienced Charlton side thanks to two late goals from James Allen. Roger Cross fielded a youthful XI against opponents boasting eight players with significant first‑team pedigree, but the Hammers’ senior pair - Gary Charles and Steve Potts - were outstanding in guiding the group through a demanding match.
The game looked destined for a goalless draw, especially after Stephen Bywater - making his first appearance since breaking a bone in his hand - kept West Ham level with a crucial penalty save midway through the second half. That moment proved decisive, giving the team the platform to push on.
Allen, introduced at half‑time for Freddy Eastwood, made the difference. His first goal on 78 minutes came after clever work from Leon Britton, holding off a defender before finishing calmly. His second arrived just before the final whistle: Michael Ferrante threaded a superb pass to Omer Riza, who drove into the box and squared for Allen to fire home.
Roger Cross praised the resilience and maturity of his young side, highlighting Bywater’s penalty save as the turning point and saluting Charles and Potts for their leadership in a tough, hard‑earned victory.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Upton Park
2 - 1 (Camara, McCann)
26 February 2002
Forde
Johnson
Soma
Byrne
Potts
Irekpen
Newton
McCann
Riza
Camara
Courtois (Britton)
West Ham overturned an early setback to claim an excellent win at Upton Park, recovering from Sergei Rebrov’s sixth‑minute header to outplay a Tottenham side packed with senior names. Rebrov rose above the defence to nod in from a corner, but with Glen Johnson and Raggy Soma solid at the back, the Hammers grew into the game and levelled on 27 minutes. Titi Camara slalomed past two or three defenders and smashed a superb finish beyond Gavin Kelly.
Despite Spurs fielding Rebrov, Øyvind Leonhardsen and Stephen Clemence - making his first appearance after a long injury lay‑off - West Ham controlled much of the second half. They might have taken the lead earlier had Omer Riza not been hauled down just outside the box with a clear run on goal, the resulting free‑kick scrambled away.
The winner arrived three minutes from time. Grant McCann bent a beautifully judged free‑kick around the wall and inside the near post, sealing a fully deserved victory. Roger Cross praised the work‑rate and resilience, noting how the team had sometimes faded late in games earlier in the season but this time battled right to the end against strong opposition.
COVENTRY CITY
Highfield Road
0 - 2
13 March 2002
Forde
Johnson
Minto
Iriekpen
Ferrante (Ferdinand A.)
Potts
Allen
McCann
Kitson (Riza)
Pierre
Britton
West Ham followed two strong wins with a flat display, undone by two soft goals and a missed penalty that turned a winnable match into a frustrating defeat. The opening spell was slow, with Coventry’s Zuniga firing over before trialist Nigel Pierre responded by driving an angled effort just too high.
Coventry struck first on 25 minutes when a flick-on sent Zuniga through to lob David Forde, despite West Ham’s offside appeals. Pierre then wasted the Hammers’ best chance of the half after being slipped in by Paul Kitson, and James Allen cut inside late on only to drag his shot wide.
Omer Riza’s introduction at half-time sparked immediate life - he was denied by Hyldgaard within seconds and then headed wide from the resulting corner. But just three minutes into the half, Coventry doubled their lead when Forde came for a hopeful cross, failed to reach it, and Zuniga’s looping header dropped apologetically over the line.
From there West Ham chased the game, but the earlier misses and defensive lapses had already done the damage.
DERBY COUNTY
Upton Park
2 - 2 (Johnson, Soma)
19 March 2002
Bywater
Ferdinand A. (Eastwood)
Iriekpen
Johnson
Soma
Britton
Garcia
McCann
Courtois
Camara
Riza
West Ham and Derby served up a lively, incident‑packed reserve clash that had everything except calm refereeing. Derby, chasing a third straight title, flew out of the blocks, forcing Stephen Bywater into two sharp early saves before Lee Morris set up Adam Bolder to slot home on 17 minutes.
The Hammers hit back instantly, Glen Johnson rising to head in from a corner, and Bywater was needed again moments later to smother an Ian Evatt effort. Just before the break West Ham had their big chance: Omer Riza was tripped in the box, but Titi Camara’s penalty was saved - an unwanted hat‑trick of missed spot‑kicks at this level.
The second half brought fewer chances but one moment of brilliance, Branko Strupar thundering a 25‑yard strike past Bywater to restore Derby’s lead. The game then descended into card chaos. Richard Garcia, already booked, was shown a second yellow for an offence nobody seemed to spot. Derby’s Francis Grenet later received a straight red in equally mysterious circumstances.
West Ham refused to fold and were rewarded on 87 minutes when a corner reached Ragnvald Soma, who smashed a left‑footed finish into the roof of the net from an improbable angle. Against a strong Derby side - and after two heavy defeats in previous meetings - this was a gritty, much‑improved performance that fully earned its point.
CHELSEA
Recreation Ground, Aldershot FC
1 - 2 (Mehmet)
25 March 2002
Forde
Potts
Iriekpen
Soma
Minto
Britton
Ferrente (Johnson)
Byrne
Courtois
Riza
Mehmet (Allen)
West Ham’s reserves pushed a star‑studded Chelsea side all the way and were unlucky to leave without at least a point. Billy Mehmet marked his debut by giving the Hammers the lead, finishing calmly after a well‑timed run. Chelsea hit back through a moment of pure class from Gianfranco Zola, bending in a trademark free‑kick, and later went ahead from a contentious penalty after Izzie’s miscontrol led to a challenge he insisted made no contact.
West Ham thought they’d equalised when Michael Ferrante lofted a clever chip over Ed de Goey after a cleared corner, but play was pulled back because the keeper had gone down injured, the referee restarting with a drop ball instead of awarding the goal.
Despite facing a Chelsea lineup packed with senior names - Zola, Zenden, Terry, Bogarde, Morris, Dalla Bona - the young Hammers worked tirelessly, matched them for long spells, and created enough to deserve something from the game. Tony Carr summed it up simply: a strong performance, and very unlucky to come away empty‑handed.
WATFORD
Victoria Ground
0 - 0
2 April 2002
Forde
Khan (Ward)
Potts
Iriekpen
Soma
Allen
Byrne
Ferdinand (Carrick G.)
Courtois
Eastwood (Mehmet)
Riza
West Ham fielded a much younger side than usual and began brightly, carving out early chances from set‑pieces. Laurent Courtois and Raggy Soma combined to set up Freddie Eastwood, who fired just over, before Courtois tested Espen Baardsen directly from a free‑kick. Watford responded when Jamie Hand burst into the box and smashed a shot against the bar.
The Hammers remained the sharper side, with Omer Riza forcing a full‑stretch save and then slipping James Allen through, only for his effort to drift inches wide. Watford grew into the half, Godfrey heading off target and Jason Norville drawing a fine tip‑over from David Forde.
The second half never found the same rhythm. Clear chances dried up, and the only real opening came when Riza broke down the left and pulled the ball back for Shaun Byrne, who miskicked. There was plenty of effort but the final ball repeatedly let West Ham down.
Even so, the young players drafted in looked comfortable at this level and will have taken plenty from the experience.
LEICESTER CITY
Filbert Street
3 - 0 (Byrne, Courtois, Riza)
10 April 2002
Forde
Khan (Mehmet)
Lumsden
Johnson
Iriekpen
Potts
Ferdinand
Byrne
Riza
Camara
Courtois
West Ham’s reserves returned to winning form with a composed victory at Filbert Street, a night that also offered valuable minutes to several emerging players. Phil Lumsden made his first start, while Anton Ferdinand and Terry Khan continued their run in the side - exactly the stage of the season, Roger Cross noted, when young players earn their chances.
Omer Riza set the tone with a calm, clinical opener, racing onto Titi Camara’s pass and finishing with the composure he’s often lacked in similar moments this season. He then forced a penalty after being tugged back when clean through. Shaun Byrne doubled the lead, reacting sharply to side‑foot home after Billy Mehmet’s fierce strike was parried.
Laurent Courtois capped the scoring from the spot, another reward for a player whose attitude and consistency have shone throughout the campaign, even with Trevor Sinclair blocking his path to first‑team minutes.
It wasn’t a classic, but West Ham applied themselves well, controlled a young Leicester side, and gave their developing players exactly the kind of platform they need.
FULHAM
Upton Park
1 - 2 (Garcia)
16 April 2002
Forde
Potts
Minto
Garcia
Iriekpen
Soma
Ferdinand (Allen)
Ferrante
Riza
Camara
Courtois
REPORT:
SOUTHAMPTON
The Dell
3 - 0 (Riza 2, Allen)
29 April 2002
Andersson
Johnson
Iriekpen
Soma
Lumsden (Eastwood)
Newton
Byrne
Carrick (Ferdinand)
Allen (Ward)
Riza
Mehmet
REPORT:
