WEST HAM UNITED
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A Pictorial History
2002-03 FA Premier Reserve League
Manager: Roger Cross
Home games played at Dagenham & Redbridge - Victoria Road
ARENAL
Victoria Road
2 - 2 (Johnson, Sofiane)
21 August 2002
Van der Gouw
Ferdinand A.
Johnson
Minto
LabanT
Courtois
Britton
Garcia
McMahon D.
Sofiane (Mehmet)
Camara (Allen)
West Ham United's reserves battled to a hard-fought 2-2 draw against London rivals Arsenal in their opening game of the new FA Premier Reserve League South campaign. Roger Cross' team got off to a flyer when Sofiane opened the scoring after just eight minutes, skipping on to Anton Ferdinand's excellent pass and finishing confidently from just inside the penalty area.
Moments later, Jeffers had a goal disallowed for a foul on Minto, but the visitors were slowly making their mark on proceedings and Greek defender Tavlaridis should have levelled the scores after 27 minutes, but blasted his effort over the bar from just six yards out.
However, just seconds later the equaliser arrived. Good work from Pennant culminated in a defence-splitting pass that released French striker Jeremie Alladiere, who slotted the ball past Van der Gouw from 10 yards out. The Dutch keeper then had to be at his best 10 minutes later to keep out a Jeffers effort after another excellent pass from Pennant, while at the other end, a fantastic one-handed save from Taylor denied Courtois a certain goal after Camara had created a glorious chance for the Frenchman.
With youngster Billy Mehmet on as a half-time replacement for goalscorer Sofiane, Hammers started the second half the livelier of the two sides and both Courtois and Camara were sent clear through on goal, only to see their efforts blocked by Taylor.
However, it was the Gunners who took the lead against the run of play in the 60th minute, when a deflection fell kindly in the penalty area for Pennant, who fired the ball past Van der Gouw from an acute angle. Despite that misfortune, Hammers fought back bravely and, just 14 minutes later, claimed a deserved equaliser when a dangerous free-kick from Courtois was superbly volleyed in by Johnson from 12 yards out.
WIMBLEDON
Kingstonian FC
1 - 0 (Camara)
2 September 2022
Jackson
Johnson
Pearce
Iriekpen (Ferdinand A.)
Minto
Byrne
Lomas (Britton)
Rahim
McCann
Camara
Mehmet
Titi Camara gave the Hammers Reserves a deserved 1-0 victory over Wimbledon in a tense and scrappy game al non-league Kingstonian PC's ground, where the support for the Dons' second string seemed to outnumber the fans at a Wimbledon first-team match.
With both sides struggling to find any fluency on the uneven playing surface it was the Hammers who struck first, when Camara bustled his way through the Dons' defence in the 27th minute only to see home goalkeeper Berni block his effort. But the Guinean forward made amends six minutes later when Brent Rahim's deep cross was clipped back into the box by Glen Johnson for Camara to put the Hammers ahead with a powerful header. Two brilliant saves from West Ham United's young goalkeeper Glenn Jackson, first from a close-range header and then a scorching 25-yard drive, ensured Roger Cross' side went in 1 -0 up at the break.
The Hammers controlled the game for much of the second-half without really threatening to extend their one goal advantage, although Grant McCann went close with a 20-yard free-kick and Shaun Byrne was denied by another smart stop from Berni when through on goal. Late on Wimbledon mounted one last surge forward and Ainsworth almost scored with an acrobatic overhead kick while a 30-yard screamer from Dons' full-back Leigertwood flashed just wide of Jackson's post. But the Hammers held on to take all three points.
CHARLTON ATHLETIC
The Valley
1 - 0 (Camara)
18 September 2002
Van der Gouw
Byrne
Iriekpen (Ferdinand A.)
Ward
Minto (Britton)
Courtois
Garcia
McCann
Labant
Camara (Mehmet)
Sofiane
Titi Camara scored the winner for the second match in a row as the Reserves continued with their strong start to the season at The Valley.
Hammers played well against a strong Charlton side that included experienced players such as Shaun Bartlett, Mark Fish and Jesper Blomqvist and took the lead with a goal in the 15th minute.Laurent Courtois and Richard Garcia combined to find Grant McCann and his pass allowed the revitalised Camara to run on and hit a superb left-foot drive into the far corner of the net.
The Charlton 'keeper Paul Rachubka produced several good saves as the Hammers continued to dominate the first-half.
After the break the home side came back strongly and this time Hammers 'keeper Raimond Van der Gouw made three great stops to prevent an equaliser.
Coach Roger Cross was obviously pleased with the result and performance. He said: "l thought the scoreline was just about right. We finished the game with two 17-year-olds at centre-back, Elliott Ward and Anton Ferdinand. In fact it was Elliott's first start of the season for the Reserves and he stood up well against some experienced players."
LEICESTER CITY
Walkers Stadium
1 - 2 (Rahim)
24 September 2002
Forde
Johnson
Labant
Rahim
Iriekpen
Ward
Britton (McMahon D.)
McCann
Defoe (Mehmet)
Garcia
Courtois
Hammers suffered their first defeat of the season against Leicester City at the Walkers Stadium despite controlling the game for long periods. Brent Rahim was impressive and scored a great goal from fully 30 yards in the 22nd minute. Leicester's equaliser came during injury time added on in the first-haIf. They scored their winner 20 minutes from the end.
Coach Roger Cross was disappointed afterthegame.He said: "Brent scored a great goal and also hit the crossbar, and Laurent Courtois hit a post. I felt we were in control, had a lot of the ball and created plenty of chances, but didn't get the breaks."
CHELSEA
Recreation Ground, Aldershot FC
0 - 0
7 October 2002
Van der Gouw
McMahon D.
Labant (Khan)
Byrne
Iriekpen
Ward
Britton
Rahim
Sofiane
Mehmet (Allen)
Courtois
A young West Ham reserve side earned a 0-0 draw with Chelsea on Monday night - to the delight of Roger Cross. It was a good performance against a Chelsea team including Bogarde and Terry, and I think we edged the play overall. The most important thing is that it was a sound defensive performance and we restricted them to just two shots.
In the second half, when Terry Khan was introduced with Izzie Iriekpen at centre half and Shaun Byrne moving to full back, it was an extremely young back four. Raimond made one very good save and, as usual, was a very positive influence on the team and such an experienced player it rubs off on all his colleagues. Of some of the other performances, Youssef Sofiane has had one or two injuries and hasn't really got started yet and Laurent Courtois did very well.
Vladimir Labant, who was not selected for the Slovakia squad to face England, could not even complete 90 minutes with the reserves, and Roger explains: "He was sick at half time and had to come off - and Billy Mehmet had a head-on collision with one of their players so he didn't make the full game either."
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Victoria Road
1 - 1 (Iriekpen)
15 October 2002
Van der Gouw
Byrne
Ward
Iriekpen
Labant
Hutchison (Britton)
Garcia (Ferdinand A.)
Rahim
Courtois (McMahon D.)
Sofiane
Mehmet
Don Hutchison made a welcome return to competitive action as West Ham United's reserves were held to a 1-1 draw by Tottenham Hotspur.
After eight months on the sidelines with a cruciate ligament injury, the 31-year-old midfielder enjoyed an impressive 45-minute spell, playing a part in his side's goal and showing an impressive level of fitness against a strong Spurs team.
With the likes of Gus Poyet, Stephen Carr, Les Ferdinand and Stephen Clemence making their own comebacks from injury for the visitors, a relatively inexperienced Hammers line-up were unlucky not to have gained all three points against their London rivals.
In a lively encounter at Dagenham & Redbridge's Victoria Road ground, both sides enjoyed a host of decent goalscoring opportunities but had to settle for a point after defender Izzie Iriekpen saw his first half opener cancelled out by an equaliser from Dean Marney.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Victoria Road
3 - 0 (Garcia, Rahim, Sofiane)
12 November 2002
Van der Gouw
Lumsden (Laws)
Byrne
Ward
Ferdinand A.
McMahon D.
Courtois (Mehmet)
Rahim
Garcia
Sofiane
Camara
REPORT:
SOUTHAMPTON
St Mary's Stadium
0 - 3
19 November 2002
Forde
Byrne
Lumsden
Hutchison
Ferdinand A.
Laws
Britton
Rahim
Sofiane (Cole M.)
Garcia
McMahon D. (Mehmet)
REPORT:
COVENTRY CITY
Upton Park
1 - 1 (Kanoute)
26 November 2002
Van der Gouw
Byrne
Breen
Ferdinand A.
Minto
Hutchison
Garcia
Rahim
Courtois
Kanoute (Camara)
Sofiane
Injury hit striker Fredi Kanoute celebrated his return to competitive action with a goal against Coventry City at Upton Park, but it wasn't enough to earn Roger Cross' side the victory in this FA Premier Reserve League encounter.
Fredi, out for more than two months with a troublesome groin injury, was part of a strong Hammers side that also included the likes of Don Hutchison, continuing his recovery from a serious knee injury, Gary Breen, Scott Minto, Richard Garcia and Laurent Courtois. Considering the senior players on view, the first-half was scrappy with neither side creating any clear-cut openings. The Hammers best effort of the first period came on 13 minutes when Laurent Courtois shot just wide after good work on the left.
The hosts came out in determined mood after the break and took the lead just after the hour. The impressive Courtois threaded an inch-perfect pass to his fellow countryman Kanoute, and the 25-year-old striker rounded Coventry 'keeper Montgomery to slot into an empty net. The goalscorer was then replaced, as planned, by Titi Camera, who came close to stretching the Hammers advantage when his tow shot took a deflection and almost deceived Montgomery.
The Sky Blues had been the quieter of the two sides throughout the match, with their main threat, former Arsenal striker Jay Bothroyd, being well shackled by Anton Ferdinand. But, the visitors pushed forward in the closing stages and grabbed an equaliser with just four minutes left. Breaking through the middle, Coventry midfielder Craig Pead ran on to a reverse pass and beat Raimond Van DerGouw with a fine left foot finish.
DERBY COUNTY
Baseball Ground
0 - 3
10 December 2002
Van der Gouw (Bywater)
Laws
Byrne
Rahim
Ferdinand A.
Iriekpen
Sofiane
Cole M. (Blewitt)
Mehmet (Eastwood)
Camara
McMahon D.
Raimond Van Der Gouw suffered an ankle injury in the first-half and had to be replaced by Stephen Bywater. Unfortunately, Stephen conceded three goals on his first appearance of the season after suffering a wrist injury while on England Under-21 duty during the summer.
Said Roger Cross: "We had to play a young side against an experienced Derby team who have won the Premier Reserve League twice in the last three seasons. In fact, eight of the Hammers team were teenagers. "I thought we did quite well until conceding the first goal just before half-time. When Derby scored a second just after the break it was an uphill battle for us and Adam Murray eventually completed his hat-trick."
FULHAM
Victoria Road
1 - 1 (McMahon)
17 December 2002
Bywater
Byrne
Blewitt
Ferdinand A.
Iriekpen
Keen
Hutchison (Laws)
Hughes
McMahon D.
Eastwood (Collington)
Rahim
A team containing Under-17 coach Kevin Keen, Don Hutchison and triallist Stephen Hughes were unlucky not to have taken all three points on a bitterly cold night at Victoria Road.
Hutchison looked sharp and full of running alongside former Arsenal, Everton and Watford midfielder Hughes, while Kevin Keen was making his first appearance in a Hammers shirt since May 1993. West Ham deservedly took the lead on 11 minutes when Freddy Eastwood turned and played the ball to Daryl McMahon who cut in from the left and fired a great right foot shot that took a slight deflection into the net.
Fulham levelled when a cross from the right was headed home on the edge of the box by striker Luke Cornwall. Hutchison was replaced at half-time by 17-year-old defender Tommy Laws and when 16-year-old Marce Collington also appeared as a late substitute, the Hammers had three first-year Academy scholars on the field, with left-back Darren Blewitt making an impressive full Reserve team debut at left-back.
Despite their inexperience, Roger Cross' team were again the better side in the second-half and almost claimed what would have been a deserved winner when Keen spotted the Fulham 'keeper Maik Taylor off his line, controlled the ball perfectly just inside his own half and lofted it back towards goal. Unfortunately for the Hammers,Taylor somehow managed to scramble back into his goal and tip the ball overthe crossbar
LEICESTER CITY
Victoria Road
2 - 1 (Garcia, Hutchison)
4 February 2003
Van der Gouw
Byrne
Blewitt
Breen
Iriekpen (Fletcher)
Noble M. (McClenahan)
Hutchison
Noble D.
Keen
Garcia
Sofiane (Atkinsete)
A stunning strike from Don Hutchison set the reserve team on their way to a hard fought 2-1 victory over Leicester City. In an eventful encounter at Dagenham & Redbridge's Victoria Road, the 31-year-old midfielder opened the scoring in superb style after just 10 minutes when, positioned just inside Leicester's half, he volleyed the ball straight over the head of keeper Michael Price and into the net.
Hutch's goal of the season effort will live long in the memory of anyone who was in the stadium, but Hammers had other things to think about three minutes later, when 17-year-old defender Darren Blewitt was sent off for swearing at the linesman after being flagged for a debatable offside.
While many referees may have turned a blind eye to his outburst, the young left-back was no doubt guilty of using some 'industrial' language and left his team-mates facing a tough task to hang on to their lead. Blewitt's dismissal forced Hammers to reshuffle, with under-17 coach Kevin Keen - playing his second reserve match of the season due to tomorrow night's FA Youth Cup tie against Norwich City restricting Roger Cross's selection - dropping to left-back and Richard Garcia asked to fight a lone battle up front.
Things went from bad to worse in the 24th minute, when Leicester striker Jon Stevenson was fouled in the penalty area by Izzie Iriekpen, and former Leeds United midfielder Matthew Jones tucked home the spot-kick. Foxes midfielder Stefan Oakes then struck the crossbar with a looping shot and it seemed likely that the visitors would make their one man advantage pay.
However, inspired by the central midfield pairing of Hutchison and debutant David Noble - who protected the back four superbly all evening and also found the energy to get forward and support Garcia - the hosts fought back and were handed a glorious chance to restore their lead in the 31st minute.
A clever pass from Noble released Garcia in the box and the Australian striker was hauled back by a defender as he cut in on goal. Referee Singh immediately pointed to the spot, but Hutchison wasted the opportunity to double his tally, dragging his effort a yard wide of the target. As with his wonder-goal, though, Hutch didn't have long to dwell on the incident, for Hammers did take the lead just two minutes later.
A slip by Leicester defender Tozer let in Garcia, who touched the ball past a defender and raced into the area before firing in a left-foot shot from an acute angle that squirmed under the dive of Price and into the bottom corner.
CHARLTON ATHLETIC
Victoria Road
1 - 1 (Moncur [pen]
11 February 2003
Van der Gouw
Schemmel
Minto
Ferdinand A.
Ward
Byrne
Noble M.
Moncur
McMahon D.
Garcia
Pearson (Morris)
John Moncur's late penalty rescued a point against Charlton in a game that should have ended in victory for the Hammers. The evergreen midfielder fired home from the spot in the 86th minute after Richard Garcia was denied a clear goalscoring opportunity by Charlton 'keeper Paul Rachubka who was sent-off for the offence.
It was the least Roger Cross' young side deserved against an experienced Charlton team fielding six regular first-team players. After Daryl McMahon had gone close for the Hammers in the opening minutes, Garcia had a golden chance of taking the lead in the 12th minute but he fired his left-foot shot inches wide of the post. Charlton did score the opening goal in the 26th minute when former England Under-21 defender Luke Young clipped over a delightful cross that was headed past Raimond van der Gouw by skipper Michael Turner from six yards out.
The hosts had several more chances of equalising in the second-half when David Noble shot narrowly over the bar, McMahon saw his free-kick tipped over and a superb Garcia effort was also well saved. With just four minutes remaining, Garcia was hauled down by Rachubka and Moncur struck the spot-kick high into the net past substitute 'keeper Robert Elliott to ensure the Reserves retained their unbeaten home record this season.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST
City Ground
1 - 0 (Byrne)
18 February 2003
Bywater
Laws
Tattam
Noble D.
Ferdinand A.
Ward
Lumsden
Byrne
Garcia
Mehmet
McMahon
This was an excellent win by a young Hammers team over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. "It was a very good performance, especially when you consider the age of the players," said a delighted Roger Cross. "Anton Ferdinand and Elliott Ward at the centre of the defence are regulars in the Reserves, while Brent Tattam in his first start at left-back was sound throughout. Tommy Laws did well at the back, not to mention Stephen Bywater in his first game back after injury. One save he made from a deflected shot was exceptional."
Shaun Byrne scored the match-winner in the 54th minute with a fine strike after good work by Billy Mehmet. David Noble played his third game since joining the Hammers from Arsenal and again put in a very encouraging display in midfield.
"David has good skills, is an excellent passer and can mix it if he has to,"concluded Roger Cross.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Stevenage Borough FC
2 - 1 (Garcia 2 [1 pen])
25 February 2003
Van der Gouw
Ferdinand A.
Blewitt
Cisse
Delaney
Ward
Lumsden
Byrne
Garcia
Pearson (Cole)
McMahon
Coach Roger Cross was delighted with this Barclaycard Premier Reserve League South win against Spurs at Stevenage Borough. Richard Garcia opened the scoring on 41 minutes after receiving a Edouard Cisse pass before driving a shot into the far top corner giving Spurs 'keeper Neil Sullivan no chance. But Tottenham hit back two minutes laterwhen Ricketts battled his way past Darren Blewitt to set up Malcolm to score from close range.
In the second-half Spurs came out in a determined mood, but it was the Hammers that took a dramatic lead in the 67th minute. Richard Garcia intercepted a loose pass on the centre-circle and made an incursion into the box before flicking the ball to Shaun Byrne, who was brought down by Jackson. Garcia despatched the penally but the referee ordered it to be re-taken.This time Garcia blasted the ball high into the net.
Roger Cross was full of praise for the way Garcia kept his composure. He was also pleased with the performance of Edouard Cisse'. "He played like a senior player should in the Reserves. He did very well, and I am happy with himand his attitude."
The game marked the debut of Clive Delaney, a recent short-term signing from University College Dublin, and Roger added:"Clive did well and we are all pleased with him."
CHELSEA
Upton Park
0 - 0
4 March 2003
Bywater
Schemmel
Breen
Delaney
Dailly
Cisse
Noble D. (Cohen)
McMahon D.
Byrne
Hutchison
Garcia
Hammers Reserve team were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Cheisea at Upton Park. Coach Roger Cross fielded eight players with first-team experience, but they just couldn't find a way past an extremely young Blues side, who managed just two shots on goal all evening and rode their luck at the other end on the few occasions that Hammers threatened seriously.
Edouard Cisse missed two good opportunities to break the deadlock. He burst dean through on goal in the 15th minute after dispossessing defender Wan but saw his shot pushed round the post by Chelsea'keeper Rhys Evans.
The French midfielder then had the chance to make amends in the last minute of the game, but screwed his shot wide after Don Hutchison had released him in the penalty-area. Hammers best chances in between Cisse's efforts had fallen to frishdefenderClive Delaney, who sawa powerful header cleared off the line in the first-half, and Richard Garcia, whose fierce shot on the turn was superbly tipped on to the bar in the 79th minute.
A defence including the likes of Sebastien SchemmeUhristian Dailly and Gary Breen had few problems dealing with Chelsea's inexperienced and lightweight attackers,although midfielder Danny Jeffreys did threaten on the odd occasion.
The visitors - managed by former Upton Park player and assistant manager Mick McGiven showed plenty of enthusiasm and desire, but Hammers will view this as two points dropped rather than a point gained
WATFORD
Victoria Road
1 - 1 (Mehmet)
11 March 2003
Bywater
Ferdinand A.
Breen
Delaney
Ward
Minto
Byrne
Keen (Cole M.)
McMahon D.
Dailly
Mehmet
West Ham's reserve team took their unbeaten run to seven matches - but could only manage a disappointing 1-1 draw against Watford.
In a scrappy and uneventful encounter at Dagenham and Redbridge's Victoria Road ground, Dominic Foley's late free-kick earned a point for the Hornets after Billy Mehmet had put the Hammers ahead on the stroke of half-time.
However, with just 12 minutes of the match remaining, Irish defender Delaney gave away a needless foul some 25 yards out and Foley stepped up to curl a superb free-kick past Stephen Bywater - who had been nothing more than a bystander up until then.
IPSWICH TOWN
Victoria Road
2 - 2 (McMahon D., Noble D.)
19 March 2003
Van der Gouw
Schemmel (Pearson)
Minto
Breen (Ward)
Delaney
Keen
Noble M. (Cole M.)
Noble D.
McMahon D.
Dailly
Hutchison
Hammers Reserves were held to a 2-2 draw by Ipswich Town at Victoria Road making it three successive home matches that have ended all square.
Hammers opened the scoring in the 24th minute with their first real chance of the game. A flowing move in midfield ended with Schemmel sending over a cross that was missed by an Ipswich defender at the far post and Daryl McMahon fired a first time volley past goalkeeper Pullen from 12 yards out.
However, Ipswich replied almost immediately when a speculative shot by Morrow from 25 yards out slipped from the grasp of Hammers 'keeper Raimond Van Der Gouw and bounced into the net. However, Hammers finished the half in impressive fashion. Don Hutchison had a goalbound volley blocked by two defenders on the line, while David Noble curled a shot over the bar from Schemmel's clever cut-back.
On the stroke of half-time, it was that same combination that teamed up to restore Hammers advantage. Another neat move saw Schemmel released again and his excellent cross was only cleared to the edge of the penalty-area, where Noble was waiting to measure a controlled volley that found the bottom corner.
The second-half settled down into a slower pace as Hammers attempted to protect their lead with possession football, although Dailly and McMahon both saw efforts deflected wide and Hutchison almost converted with a left-foot volley at the nearpost. There appeared to be no danger as the game moved into its closing stages but, with 17 minutes remaining a corner-kick was floated in, the ball wasn't cleared properly and Lee Chaffey poked home the loose ball from six yards out.
David Noble sent a 25-yard free-kick just inches wide of the target moments later, but Ipswich held on for the draw.
SOUTHAMPTON
Victoria Road
0 - 1
25 March 2003
Forde
McClenahan
Tattam (Blewitt)
Lumsden
Delaney
Ward
Collington (Pearson)
McMahon D.
Sofiane
Garcia
Cole M.
The Reserves saw their eight-match unbeaten run come to an end as they went down 1-0 at home to Southampton. A stunning first-half strike from Aaron Davies earned three points for the visitors at Dagenham and Redbridge's Victoria Road ground and condemned Hammers to their first home defeat of the season.
With several players away on international duty, coach Roger Cross was forced to field a young side that included just one player with first-team experience - Australian forward Richard Garcia.
Despite a lively end to end opening, neither goal keeper was overly tested until midway through the half, when Hammers left-back Brent Tattam's flying burst down the flank climaxed with a pinpoint centre that saw Saints 'keeper Gareth Williams claim Youssef Sofiane's eight-yard header with a stretching save.
At the other end, Aaron Davies' down ward header was collected off a bumpy Victoria Road pitch by relieved Irish goalkeeper David Forde. Then on 34 minutes, Davies was making his presence felt again with a fierce 10-yarder that thumped back off the post. Moments later Saints took the lead as that man Davies made it third time lucky with a spectacular, dipping 20-yard effort that scorched under Forde's crossbar.
Seconds after the restart, Mitchell Cole rapped the bar with a vicious shot but despite having the lion's share of possession, the young Hammers simply couldn't find the final ball during a desperately disjointed second-half.
With 20 minutes left, a double substitution saw Darren Blewitt and Greg Pearson replace Tattam and Collington. Within moments of his arrival, Blewitt was cautioned for a crunching challenge on Michael Green, while the towering Clive Delaney followed him into Mr Russell's book for mistimed lunge on Jay Lucas. Two minutes from time, McMahon almost got the equaliser his industrious and determined display deserved, when he let fly with a screaming 20-yarder, but still Williams refused to be beaten as he pulled off a full length save to ensure his team's lead stayed in tact until the final whistle.
COVENTRY CITY
Highfield Road
0 - 0
1 April 2003
Forde
McClenahan
Tattam
Ferdinand A.
Delaney
Ward
Byrne
Lumsden
Sofiane
Garcia
Bunce
West Ham United's Reserves didn't concede, didn't score, and added another draw to the campaign.
A young side, taken by Tony Carr as Roger Cross was recovering from a cartilage operation, strengthened their status as the draw specialists of the league - and left Tony to comment:"lt was a very creditable performance, but goalscoring was our downfall when we had really good opportunities and it keeps our position as the draw champions of the league!
"We defended very well, worked hard with a young side, and I was pleased with the performance - but a goal would have been the icing on the cake.
"Clive Delaney had a header cleared off the line while up front, Youssef Sofiane and Richard Garcia chased a lot of balls, created one or two problems, but couldn't quite score."
The match saw Danny Bunce play his first game at this level. and Tony says:"He did well for a debut."
DERBY COUNTY
Victoria Road
1 - 0 (Sofiane)
8 April 2003
Van der Gouw
Ferdinand A.
Blewitt
Delaney
Ward
McClenahan
Noble D.
McMahon D.
Cole M.
Pearson
Sofiane (Akinsete)
Youssef Sofiane's first-half strike was enough to earn West Ham United's young Reserve side a deserved 1-0 victory over table-topping Derby County at Dagenham and Redbridge's Victoria Road ground.
The young French striker finished off a well-worked move in the 44th minute to secure a first home win since February 4th, following four draws and one defeat in the last five matches at Victoria Road.
It was a splendid effort from Roger Cross'side. Shaun Byrne's late withdrawal had meant that, for the first time this season, the starting line-up contained not a single player with any first-team experience.
IPSWICH TOWN
Portman Road
1 - 1 (Ward)
15 April 2003
Bywater
Ferdinand A.
Ward
Byrne
Delaney
Breen (Blewitt)
McClenahan
Noble D.
Akinsete
Pearson (Cole M.)
McMahon D.
A young Hammers Reserve side scraped a narrow 1-1 draw in a tight encounter away to Ipswich Town thanks to a last gasp equaliser from defender Elliott Ward. Deprived of potent strike-force Richard Garcia and Youssef Sofiane through injury the Hammers worked hard but rarely threatened in a lively first-half, which saw both sides produce some neat football but fail to create any clear-cut chances.
The second-half began as the first had ended, with both teams playing attractive football without really threatening to break the dead-lock. It always looked as though something special would be needed to spark the game into life, and that something arrived in the 54th minute, Unfortunately, for Roger Cross' Hammers they were on the receiving end as Ipswich's Dean Bowditch opened the scoring with a magnificent long-range effort that gave Hammers goalkeeper Stephen Bywater no chance.
Ipswich should have doubled their advantage soon after, but Bywater did well to foil Alun Armstrong when the Ipswich forward was through on goal.
As the match entered its 90th minute the home side looked odds on for victory. But the Hammers showed tremendous resilience to push on until the final whistle, and were rewarded with practically the last kick of the game. Daryl McMahon floated a free-kick into the Ipswich penalty-area and young centre-back Elliott Ward shook off his marker to power home from close range and earn the Hammers a point.
FULHAM
Kingfield Stadium, Woking FC
4 - 3 (Byrne 2, Keen, Pearson)
23 April 2003
Bywater
Delaney
Winterburn
Noble D.
Breen
Dailly
Keen
Byrne
Garcia
McMahon D. (McClenahan)
Peaeson (Akinsete)
An injury-time goal from veteran midfielder Kevin Keen earned the Hammers a 4-3 victory over London rivals Fulham in a thrilling encounter at Woking FCs Kingfield Stadium.
Roger Cross'side, combining a healthy mixture of youth and experience, began the game well and took the lead on 26 minutes when Shaun Byrne netted the first of his brace. Daryl McMahon crossed to the far post for fellow Irishman Give Delaney, whose downward header was cleared off the line by Fulham defender Mark Hudson. But the clearance dropped straight to Byrne who crashed the ball home from close range.
The Hammers kept up the pressure after going ahead and the home side had Fulham 'keeper Van Der Sar to thank for sending them in at half-time just one goal behind.
The Hammers doubled their advantage just after the break when Greg Pearson scored from the penalty-spot. The goal seemed to stun Fulham into life and two minutes later the Cottagers pulled back to 2-1 through Luke Cornwall. The dangerous Cornwall then levelled the scores in the 56th minute, pouncing on some hesitant Hammers defending to fire home from close range.
But the Hammers regained their composure and driven on by the experience of Gary Breen, Nigel Winterburn and Christian Dailly, they regained the lead in the 74th minute.The impressive Shaun Byrne sprang the Fulham offside trap, raced clear on goal and coolly slotted past the on rushing Van Der Sar.
The Hammers looked to have secured the three points when Fulham had Darren Pratley sent-off for his second bookable offence. But a lapse in concentration in the Hammers defence left Daniel Stratford unmarked at the far-post, and the Fulham defender headed past the exposed Stephen Bywater in the Hammers goal to level the scores at 3-3. With the 90 minutes up that looked to be the end oft he scoring. But the determined Hammers did not want to be beaten and as the fourth official announced four minutes of injury-time they pushed forward in search of a winner.
They were rewarded for their persistence in the dying minutes of injury time when Australian forward Richard Garcia burst into the box and was hauled down by Fulham's Dutch goalkeeper. Garcia picked himself up to take the resulting spot-kick, and although Edwin Van Der Sar pulled off a superb save, Kevin Keen was on hand to slam home the rebound and clinch all three points for the Hammers at the end of a dramatic encounter.
WIMBLEDON
Victoria Road
1 - 0 (McMahon D.)
28 April 2003
Bywater
Ferdinand A.
Delaney
Ward
Tattam
McClenahan
Byrne
McMahon D.
Cole M.
Pearson
Akinsete
Hammers young Reserve team continued their recent run of good form in their final home game ofthe season at Victoria Road and claimed all three points thanks to Daryl McMahon's superbly taken free-kick in the 52nd minute. The win made it five games unbeaten for Roger Cross'sideand sets up a likely fifth placed finish with two more games to play, at Watford and Arsenal.
Once again, Hammers fielded a relatively inexperienced line-up for the visit ofthe Dons. Irish defender Clive Delaney was the oldest player in the team, at 23, while only Shaun Byrne and Stephen Bywater had tasted first-team action.
Wimbledon also named a young side and there was an understandable sense of nervousness and caution among both teams in a first-half that produced very little in the way of attacking quality. Hammers did create one glorious chance in the 37th minute, when Byrne's neat pass released Greg Pearson, but the young striker fired his effort over the bar as Dons 'keeper Berni committed himself.
Atthe other end,central-defenders Delaney and Elliott Ward dealt comfortably with the traditionally direct approach ofthe visitors, and Hammers went into the break looking the more confident and assured side.
Seven minutes into the second-half, they made the vital breakthrough. After Byrne had been fouled some 25 yards out, McMahon stepped up to curl a direct free-kick over the wall and into the top corner of the net past the despairing dive of Berni. Hammers celebrations were delayed briefly as the Wimbledon players questioned the referee's actions in blowing his whistle just as the Irish midfielder made contact with the ball - presumably for encroachment by a member oft he wall - but the official waved away the claims having played the correct advantage.
The visitors missed an excellent chance to equalise just five minutes later, when defender Herzig somehow headed wide from just six yards out, but that was the nearest the South Londoners came to testing England Under-21' keeper Bywater. Hammers occasionally threatened to double their lead, with left-winger Mitchell Cole delivering a couple of teasing crosses that were cut out, while captain Byrne sadly wasn't rewarded for his tireless forward running from midfield. The final whistle capped off a satisfying evening and a solid home record for the Reserves this season that has provided four wins, eight draws and just one defeat from 13 matches.
ARSENAL
Underhill, Barnet FC
2 - 1 (Garcia, Pearson)
6 May 2003
Van der Gouw
Ferdinand A.
Tattam
Byrne
Delaney
Ward
McClenahan
Noble D. (Cole M.)
Garcia
Pearson (Akinsete)
McMahon D.
West Ham reserves secured a 2-1 win over Arsenal in the first of two games in consecutive nights. The Gunners, whose first team done West Ham no favours by losing to Leeds on Sunday after throwing away a two goal lead at Bolton the week before, can't now win the title, while Wednesday night's opponents, Watford, are still in contention in the final game of the season.
"It is always good to beat an Arsenal side; they had a young team out but they can play and they have a lot of good young players in their side," says Roger Cross. "If they had won they would have gone top of their league with a chance of winning it, but now they can't." To play two games in two days, is, of course, a ludicrous situation, and Roger adds:
"We play Watford tomorrow night and they have to beat us to win the league - if they don't they won't. "We will have the basis of the side that played tonight; it is a bit unfortunate because we don't really want to play two games in two nights - but Watford insisted that we did.
"They couldn't play another day so that is the situation; they couldn't leave it to Thursday even, for some reason - perhaps because they want to win the league! "It is going to be tough playing two games in two days but I am certain that we will go out and do well again. "I am very confident with this bunch of players; they have done well this season."
As for the goals, Roger adds: Greg Pearson scored the first after a Daryl McMahon cross, and the second was a free-kick that Richard Garcia went up for in front of the goalkeeper. "It fell in front of Shaun Byrne's feet and he thumped it home. "But they got an equaliser with a soft penalty; the centre forward ran across Clive Delaney and while it was still out wide he fell over Clive's leg and the ref gave a penalty."
WATFORD
Vicarage Road
0 - 1
7 May 2003
Bywater
Ferdinand A.
Blewitt
Byrne
Iriekpen
Ward
McClenahan
Lumsden
Garcia
Pearson
McMahon D.
Roger Cross' reserve side completed their campaign against Watford - their second game in two consecutive nights - on Wednesday evening. A very young line up narrowly lost 1-0, and Roger says: "It was always going to be a difficult game because it was our second in two days; and it was tough because Watford had to win this game to win the league which made it that much harder. "But we worked hard and gave it as much as we could, even though we lost by that odd goal."
And that odd goal? "It was a cross from our left hand side, and the lads felt it was offside after their lad got in behind Anton Ferdinand," says Roger. Looking at the overall campaign in the FA Premier Reserve League [south], Roger says: "For the reserves it has been a good season; we have finished fifth, and a good fifth as well, but the biggest problem, as I have told you before, is that we don't score many goals. "We don't concede many either and defensively it has been very, very good.
"We have drawn a few games and if we had turned a few of those into wins it could have been us at the top. "It has been a good season but we have just failed to score enough goals. "We have lost the least amount of games of anyone in the league - only five out of 26 - and I have been pleased with the lads all season. "It is a learning league, there is no doubt about that, but we try to emphasise the importance of winning as well as learning. "It is very important that they learn to win - and want to win as well."
