WEST HAM UNITED
FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES &
Collectables through the Decade
theyflysohigh : Steve Marsh
A Pictorial History
2007-08 Barclays Premier Reserve League
Manager: Kevin Keen
Home games played at Bishop's Stortford Woodside Park
ASTON VILLA
Woodside Park
1 - 2 (Reid)
29 August 2007
Walker
Pantsil
Fitzgerald (Miller)
Blackwell
N'Gala
Stokes
Hales
Collison
Jeffery
Sears (Stanislas)
Reid
A 25-yard scorcher from Kyel Reid was almost enough to secure a point for West Ham United on the first day of the new Premier Reserve League season until Aston Villa snatched a late winner.
The reserves kicked off on 29 August playing at the Woodside ground, home of Bishop's Stortford FC, under Kevin Keen and nearly took a share of the spoils. A young team, aided by first teamers Jimmy Walker in goal and John Pantsil in defence, started brightly and created several chances in the first 20 minutes.
Jack Collison and Freddie Sears were both lively in and around the box and Pantsil saw an effort blocked as he tried a low shot. Aston Villa then pushed forward, Mikaelsson tried his luck with a rebound strike after Walker had saved, but the ball went wide. Reid then linked up well with Jack Collison, but the final ball was just too long for him to latch on to.
It remained 0-0 at half time and Keen made a change as the second half began, Ashley Miller coming on for Lorcan Fitzgerald. Walker was alert to two Villa chances early on in the half, before another change was made to the Hammers side, with Junior Stanislas replacing Freddie Sears.
Half chances fell to both sides and Walker made a double save before Villa made the breakthrough. Hogg jumped up high enough to see the ball hit the underside of the crossbar and then into the back of the net.
But the Hammers responded well and were soon on level terms. Reid picked up the ball and sent a blistering shot from 25-yards past the Villa keeper.
Two goals in four minutes had opened the game up and West Ham nearly took the lead, as Reid sent in a pinpoint cross only for Junior Stanislas' effort to bounce off the post with inches to spare.
With the game looking like a stale-mate, Villa pounced to take all three points as Lowry hit the winner in the 89th minute. For goalscorer Reid, there was disappointment the Hammers could not get something from the game.
READING
Recreation Ground, Aldershot FC
1 - 1 (Cole)
4 September 2007
Walker
Pantsil
Dailly
N'Gala
Miller
Reid
Stokes
Collison
Boa Morte
Ashton
Hines (Cole)
A stunning strike from Carlton Cole earned West Ham United's reserves a deserved point away at Reading. Kevin Keen's side had gone behind in the first half on 4 September, when Reading's James Henry scored from a wide free-kick but with eight minutes to go Cole, who had come on as a substitute at half-time, struck the ball from long range to fire it into the top corner of the net and earn the Hammers a share of the spoils.
The game saw Dean Ashton get 90 minutes under his belt, as well as Christian Dailly, who played his first game since fracturing his foot. Jimmy Walker, John Pantsil and Luis Boa Morte also played.
Reading also had a strong side out, featuring Dave Kitson, Leroy Lita and a debut for Liam Rosenior. Lita had a couple of early chances but found Walker in no mood to let him past, while Kitson hit his effort against the post.
At the other end, Ashton make a good run into the box but could not get any contact on the final ball and young striker Zavon Hines went close to scoring, but his header was saved by the keeper. After 26 minutes, the deadlock was broken, when Henry struck home from the free-kick to give the Royals the lead.
Kevin Keen brought on Cole for Zavon Hines at the start of the second half and the Hammers pushed forward in search of an equaliser, while Walker made three good saves to deny the Royals another chance to score. With 82 minutes on the clock, Hammers got a deserved goal as Cole picked up the ball 35-yards out and hit home with a magnificent strike.
PORTSMOUTH
Upton Park
2 - 1 (Camara 2)
18 September 2007
Walker
Pantsil
Spector (Fitzgerald)
Dailly
Davenport
Stokes
Collison
Parker
Camara
Boa Motre
Reid
Henri Camara got his West Ham United career off to a flying start by grabbing a brace of goals as the reserves ran out 2-1 winners against Portsmouth at the Boleyn Ground. The striker was lively throughout the game on 18 September and finished neatly twice in the second half to give Kevin Keen's men their first win of the season.
The first half saw both sides have half-chances without making any impression on the game. Mendes hit a shot over the bar early on for Portsmouth, while at the other end Calum Davenport came forward for a corner and his header also went close. Christian Dailly made a good clearance as Portsmouth had another effort and Kyel Reid, making promising runs down the wing, got the ball across to Camara, but it was just too far in front of him.
After the break, Camara sent a long-range shot just wide and then Reid tried an angled shot, also from some way out that just shaved the top of the bar. The Hammers' pressure was to bring a result as Camara, causing trouble in the Pompey defence every time he went forward, latched on to a good cross from Luis Boa Morte to score from close range. West Ham were on the front foot, but Pompey went searching for the equaliser and just minutes after sending a shot whistling past Richard Wright's post, they got the ball in the back of the net, thanks to David Nugent.
Parker was making himself busy in midfield, getting the ball out to Reid, John Pantsil, who was making good runs and Boa Morte, who again had a hand in the second goal for West Ham. Another pin-point cross from Boa Morte fell to Camara, who held off his markers to finish neatly and strike the ball past Pompey keeper Anton Silva. Jack Collison had a good chance to increase West Ham's lead soon after, but his effort hit the top of the bar and Reid again was in the thick of the action as he tried his luck with another shot from outside the box.
The game finished with the Hammers on top, a blistering debut from Camara and another good work-out for Parker, who came through the match unscathed.
BIRMINGHAM CITY
St Andrews
1 - 3 (Jeffery)
1 October 2007
Walker
Miller (Spence)
Widdowson
N'Gala
Davenport
Stokes (Stanislas)
Hales
Collison
Jeffery
Hines (Sears)
Reid
A superb Jack Jeffery strike was not enough to stop Kevin Keen's reserves going down to a strong Birmingham City side at St Andrews. Only goalkeeper Jimmy Walker, defender Calum Davenport and winger Kyel Reid in the West Ham United squad had any first-team experience while their hosts boasted several players with proven top-flight prowess. Among them was goalkeeper Colin Doyle, defenders Stuart Parnaby, Martin Taylor and Radhi Jaidi along with Dutch winger Daniel de Ridder.
Neil Danns opened the scoring following a fine team move in the 18th minute before Jeffery struck a splendid curled equaliser from the edge of the penalty area. However, a disputed penalty just before the hour allowed Danns to restore the home side's lead before Wilson Palacios confirmed victory with a run and shot in the 78th minute.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Upton Park
1 - 0 (Boa Morte)
9 October 2007
Wright
Pantsil
Tomkins
Davenport
Spector
Stanislas (Hines)
Stokes
Collison
Reid
Boa Motre
Jeffery
West Ham United won the battle of a lively London derby as Luis Boa Morte's first-half header was enough to secure victory against Tottenham Hotspur at the Boleyn Ground. The home side, up against visitors that were unbeaten in four games at this level, controlled the first half after Boa Morte's early goal and battled through after the interval to ensure all three points would remain in east London.
Kevin Keen's men started brightly forcing a corner inside the first two minutes before Jack Collison and Boa Morte combined well for the first real chance on goal, although the visitors were able to clear. The promising start paid off on nine minutes as West Ham took the lead with a well-worked goal. James Tomkins, playing his first reserve game since suffering a shoulder injury at the end of last season, headed clear to an on-running Junior Stanislas. He in turn fed Kyel Reid who sent a perfect left-wing cross into the path of Boa Morte, and the Portuguese forward - partnering Jack Jeffrey in attack - had the simple task of heading in from close range.
Tottenham were more dangerous after the interval and went close when Leigh Mills hit the post and Tomkins then had to make a clearance in a crowded penalty box minutes later. Wright then made a save as Simon Dawkins hit a fierce shot. But the home side still had the upper hand - Reid sending a promising strike whistling over the bar before the solid Jonathan Spector tried his luck from long range after surging forward from left-back.
Keen made his only change of the night on 68 minutes, Zavon Hines replacing Stanislas and the No 14 was to be a lively presence. Boa Morte had a great chance to double the home advantage but could only divert his free-kick over the crossbar before Hines went close only to be thwarted by Spurs keeper Tommy Forecast.
The visitors kept pushing and Tomkins was again in good form as he rose high to head clear a particularly dangerous attack before Jeffrey collected the ball from a good cross by John Pantsil, but could only watch as his header went just over the bar. Wright then saved from Boateng before Davenport had to be alert on the line to head clear a Tottenham free-kick.
West Ham though were unlucky not to have grabbed a second goal as Hines found himself in space but his shot shaved the post. Spurs tried one more time to find an equaliser but Pantsil cleared off the line and one goal proved enough for the hosts.
FULHAM
Motspur Park
1 - 1 (Reid)
23 October 2007
Stech
Pantsil
Widdowson
Tomkins
Spector
Quashie
Reid
Stokes (Hales)
Collison
Jeffery
Hines
Kyel Reid's second-half goal saw West Ham United reserves take a deserved share of the spoils in a lively encounter at Fulham. Kevin Keen's men made their point when Reid slotted the ball in from a corner half-an-hour into the second period of the match played at a chilly Motspur Park. Reid's equaliser cancelled out the Cottagers' first-half effort on the stroke of half-time from Bradley Hudson- Odoi.
Reid, who Keen described as being "outstanding tonight", had other chances to increase his goal tally and proved to be a handful for the hosts throughout. The reserve-team coach was also full of praise for the rest of his team, which included Scotland midfielder Nigel Quashie making his first appearance since March after recovering from injury.
"We fully deserved to get back in the game after going behind, because we battled well and didn't give up," said Keen. "Kyel was outstanding tonight and was putting in crosses all the time and he got the goal to see us level." Reid's good form continued from the reserves' previous outing a fortnight ago when he made the winning goal for Keen added: "I was also proud of all the team because we hung in there and I was pleased to see us step up our game in the second half and take it to Fulham. I think, overall, a draw was a fair result. They had the first half and we had the second, but I was pleased with our attitude and performance, from both senior and younger players."
The hosts had on-loan Crystal Palace striker Shefki Kuqi in their ranks along with Elliott Omozusi in defence. As well as Quashie, who got a full 90 minutes under his belt with no ill-effects, West Ham saw Jonathan Spector and John Pantsil figure alongside a host of young players who are all beginning to make their mark at reserve level.
It was Fulham who had the most of the early chances in the first half, their first effort on goal coming from Wayne Brown. The visitors then saw Zavon Hines go close after he intercepted a failed clearance by the Fulham defence. Reid followed that by sending in a great cross, which was met by captain Jack Collison, but his left-foot shot was cleared to safety.
It was back up the other end as Brown struck a fierce volley just wide before his team managed to break the deadlock with virtually the last kick of the half. Hudson-Odoi struck the ball with his left foot and a deflection took it past goalkeeper Marek Stech at his left-hand post.
In the second half, Fulham nearly increased the lead through Brown, but Keen's young charges were growing in confidence and it was Reid leading the way. Not only did he fire in several crosses but he then nearly drew the Hammers level with a free-kick that hit the woodwork. The goal was coming and from the resulting corner, Reid managed to find a way through a crowded area to equalise with a deflected effort of his own.
ARSENAL
Upton Park
2 - 2 (Spence, Stokes)
6 November 2007
Walker
Miller
Widdowson
Spence
Tomkins
Hales
Collison
Quashie (Hunt)
Jeffery
Hines
Reid (Stokes)
Jordan Spence and Tony Stokes were both on target to earn West Ham United a well-deserved point against an impressive Arsenal at the Boleyn Ground. All four goals came in the second half, Spence equalising eight minutes after the Gunners had taken the lead through Nacer Barazite. Mark Randall then put the visitors back in front, before substitute Stokes struck a tremendous equaliser in the closing stages to secure the draw. A fairly even first half saw the two teams all square at half-time and despite going behind, West Ham United fought back well in what was a third London derby unbeaten in a row for Kevin Keen's men.
The home side started brightly against an equally young but strong Gunners lineup, Nigel Ouashie was quick to use his experience early on, helping his team-mates to try and create a hold in midfield. The first real chance of the half though fell to Arsenal's Kieran Gibbs, who made a good run down the flank before shooting over the bar. Kyel Reid then sent over a good cross which was met by Jack Collison who found Lee Hales in space only for his header to also land over the crossbar. Seconds later, Reid himself made another good run getting away from his marker, but could only shoot wide. He then went close with a free-kick.
Four minutes of stoppage time were added on in the half - resulting from Arsenal having to take off an injured Henri Lansbury and replace him with Randall, who was making his first appearance in a Gunners shirt since mid-September. There was still time though for Reid to play a short-corner into the box, which was cleared, before being brought down soon after to earn his side a free-kick. After a scramble, Reid's cross was eventually met by Zavon Hines who could only strike the ball over from four yards out.
The quality in both teams began to show after the interval and it was the visitors who broke the deadlock on 50 minutes, as Barazite hit a fierce shot past Walker and into the net. The home side set about responding straight away, defender Ashley Miller suddenly got forward down the right and hit an angled shot that Mannone managed to save. Tomkins then headed wide from a Reid corner.
But West Ham United were rewarded for their efforts on 58 minutes as they grabbed a deserved equaliser through Spence. A good move involving Quashie and Tomkins, saw the latter head down for his defensive colleague to tuck the ball beyond Mannone. Keen made a change just after the hour mark, bringing on Stokes in place of the busy Reid and soon after, Walker was forced to make a save, diving right across his goal to clear.
Collison then had two close chances to put his team ahead, but it was the Gunners who got their noses back in front. Barazite crossed and Randall's run and shot went flying into the back of the net. Yet, the hosts were not to be denied and they were to equalise for a second time with the goal of the night.
With time running out, substitute Stokes met Joe Widdowson's fine cross and struck a volley sweetly into the net, giving Mannone no chance in the process. A hard-working Quashie made way late on for Ben Hunt as Keen's men saw out the closing stages to earn a deserved draw against visitors who were a constant threat all evening.
DERBY COUNTY
Burton Albion FC
8 - 0 (Ashton 2, Stanislas 2, Collison, Ephraim, Reid, [og]
26 November 2007
Walker
Pantsil
Dailly (N'Gala)
Tomkins
Widdowson
Parker
Collison (Stanislas)
Quashie
Reid
Ashton
Ephraim (Jeffery)
Dean Ashton struck twice to help the Hammers reserves to an 8-0 mauling of a hapless Derby at Burton Albion FC. The former Norwich striker certainly staked his claim for a starting berth for Saturday's derby clash with Chelsea by playing the entire 90 minutes, leading the line brilliantly and bagging a brace. Scott Parker also got a full game as the Hammers' second string ran riot against the Rams.
Kyel Reid broke the deadlock for Kevin Keen's men in the 20th minute, sprinting down the left wing before cutting inside and firing home. Minutes, later and it was' 2-0 as the excellent Parker played in Ashton who rounded the Derby keeper before slotting home.
Ashton then doubled his tally with a fine header from a Jack Collison cross before Collison himself got on the end of a Hogan Ephraim centre to make it 4-0 at the break.
Ephraim had a major part to play hi number five too as it was his low cross that was put into his own net by Derby's Keane. The visitors were in irresistible form and it wasn't long before Ephraim got the goal that his performance deserved, taking an Ashton pass in his stride before netting.
On the half hour mark, coach Keen introduced Junior Stanislas and he was to have an instant impact, firing home from long range and completin' the rout with a hear' from a Reid cross.
CHELSEA
Woodside Park
0 - 0
10 December 2007
Walker
Miller
Tomkins
N'Gala
Widdowson
Dailly
Collison
Stanislas
Hunt (Harvey)
Hines
Fitzgerald (Edgar)
West Ham United made it five games unbeaten with a hard-fought goalless draw at home against Chelsea. On a freezing evening at Bishop's Stortford, there was little to separate the two teams with the visitors perhaps having the best of the chances while the hosts showed defensive resilience - encapsulated by a man of the match display from Bondz N'Gala. The towering centre-back was the star performer against a Chelsea side full of attacking talent.
Having not lost since a 1-0 defeat of Tottenham Hotspur on 9 October, much was expected of Kevin Keen's side. But, in a cagey opening, chances were at a premium - a pattern that would persist throughout the contest. Junior Stanislas, who has made rapid progress this season, had the first real opportunity, firing in a low shot that tested Stuart Searle in the Chelsea goal on nine minutes. Within five minutes, the visitors had found their rhythm. First Miroslav Stoch - who was to pull the strings all night for Chelsea - found space to deliver in a testing cross before Jimmy Walker in goal raced off his line to smother a through-ball destined for striker Morten Nielsen. Then, Sergio Tejera Rodriguez found room to shoot on goal - but Walker was again equal to the challenge.
West Ham United did not manage to make many in-roads themselves until the half-hour mark came and went - with Stanislas always looking the most likely. It was not for the want of effort though with Christian Dailly as committed as ever in a defensive midfield role. On 34 minutes, captain Collison was able to shoot at goal after a rare opening but in truth it never troubled Searle. Chelsea could have taken the lead just before half-time when Michael Woods leapt well to head for goal but, once more, Walker was able to save. It was a similar story early in the second half as Woods again seemed destined to score before N'Gala's exquisite challenge saved the day. The West Ham United No4 repeated the trick to deny Nielsen soon afterwards.
It was still a stop-start affair and Collison was cautioned on 50 minutes for a foul. His commitment was unquestioned and he was taking his cue from Dailly, who did not shirk a challenge all evening. The veteran showed his willingness for the cause soon after when hit by a fierce free-kick. The force would have downed most players but Dailly quickly composed himself, shook his head once and carried on the fight.
Barely two minutes later he had produced a stunning tackle to disposses the lively Chelsea captain Liam Bridcutt and West Ham United were on the up again. Just before the hour, the best move of the match for the hosts finished with Ashley Miller finding room to the right of goal and his stinging drive was well saved by Searle.
For all Chelsea's superior attacking potential, they were unable to win the midfield battle with Dailly and Collison working overtime. The latter nearly snatched victory for the hosts in the 86th minute when the former flicked on. The Wales Under-21 international met the ball well but could not direct his effort on target. There was still time for N'Gala to make another timely interception or two but both sides ultimately had to settle for a point.
ASTON VILLA
Bescot Stadium, Walsall FC
1 - 2 (Faubert)
7 January 2008
Wright
Tomkins (Spence)
Collins
Davenport
Widdowson
Faubert (Hines)
Dailly
Collison
Reid
Boa Morte (Sears)
Jeffery
Julien Faubert took just 39 seconds to score on his return for West Ham United as the reserves went down to two late goals. The France winger was making his first appearance since suffering a serious achilles injury on 17 July. After an intensive rehabilitation programme, he returned to the starting eleven at Walsall's Bescot Stadium - and made an instant impact. As well his goal, he was a lively presence throughout the first 45 minutes but was substituted at half-time.
Villa kept going and earned a deserved equaliser in the 87th minute when substitute Barry Barman - on for former Hammers striker Marlon Harewood, shot low beyond Richard Wright. Then, as the visitors looked like making it six games unbeaten at this level against the league leaders, Tobias Mikaelsson scored from close range in the dying seconds.
Along with Faubert, Luis Boa Morte got more than an hour of action up front, while at the back Calum Davenport and James Collins were a solid pairing with both coming through the full 90 minutes. James Tomkins played at right-back and, other than
feeling the impact of a couple of hefty challenges, showed up well - particularly in support of Faubert in the first half. Further forward, Christian Dailly played a holding midfield role alongside Collison who was his usual industrious self.
PORTSMOUTH
Havant & Waterloo FC
1 - 0 (Christophe [og]
23 January 2008
Stech
Dailly
Gabbidon (Spence)
Collins (Fitzgerald)
Tomkins
Hines
Stokes
Collison
Reid
Sears
Bellamy (Jeffery)
A lively Craig Bellamy returned to action but the away win was marred by James Collins being carried off with a first-half knee injury. Bellamy was making his first competitive appearance since the 0-0 draw away to Portsmouth's first team in Premier League action at Fratton Park back on 27 October. It was the fit-again striker's perpetual pace that made the only goal in the 50th minute as he raced away on the right before a low cross forced home defender Jean Francois Christophe to put through his own net.
BIRMINGHAM CITY
Upton Park
4 - 1 (Zamora 3, Collison)
12 February 2008
Walker
Spence
Tomkins
N'Gala
Spector
Faubert
Stokes
Collison
Reid
Zamora
Hines (Stanislas 46) (Hales 82)
Bobby Zamora scored a hat-trick as West Ham United came from behind to record an emphatic victory at the Boleyn Ground. Having notched a goal in a friendly game against Queen's Park Rangers last week, Zamora showed he is getting back towards full fitness with a finely-taken treble in an all-action performance over 90 minutes. All three goals came in the final half-hour of the contest after reserve-team captain Jack Collison had cancelled out Stefan Milojevic's opener just before half-time.
The first half was a cagey affair on a bitterly cold evening, with Zamora showing up well alongside young forward Zavon Hines. It was Birmingham who had the early efforts, however, with both De Ridder and Zarate testing Walker early on. In the 14th minute, inventive play from Zamora saw Faubert cut in from the right only to be denied by a last-ditch block as he made inroads.
The home side's first real effort came on 18 minutes when Spector found himself unmarked in the centre of goal, only for his header to go straight at Colin Doyle. It was the 26th minute before Zamora first tried his luck. His dipping half-volley from 30 yards had the crowd willing it goalwards but it sailed just past Doyle's left-hand post at the last moment.
Both teams continued to press forward with Zarate and Zamora the focal points for their respective sides. That said, Birmingham's best chance of the half came from the unlikely source of defender Jared Wilson, who had nipped in behind the Hammers defence. His shot was saved well by Walker although the resulting corner was to prove costly. From it, Milojevic was allowed to head goalwards and his effort crashed against the post and beyond Walker, who had little chance from close range.
Collison soon drew the hosts level two minutes before half-time. A sweeping move involving Zamora and Faubert finished with the France winger sliding in Collison to fire low under Doyle's body from a tight angle. With Hines off for Junior Stanislas in the second half, it was all West Ham United from then on with Keen switching the formation to a 4-5-1 that featured Zamora in the lone striker's role.
First, Faubert hit the post after Stanislas saw virtually his first touch force a great save from Doyle. Then Collison headed over from right-back Jordan Spence's fine cross. After that James Tomkins, impressive alongside Bondz N'Gala, tried his luck with a header and then Spector tricked his way into the penalty area and unleashed a shot that was blocked at the last moment. A second goal was coming and, in the 58th minute, Zamora did well to hold off two defenders before swivelling on the spot and firing firmly beyond Doyle.
He had his second seven minutes later, thanks to Faubert's second assist of the night. The 24-year-old sped along the right and sent in a whipped cross to the near post that Zamora flicked with great skill beyond Doyle. Aside from an 82nd-minute rasping shot from Schmitz, the home team were able to defend with relative comfort after taking the two-goal initiative but the crowd were willing Zamora to get his hat-trick.
It duly came in added time. Faubert, who was outstanding along with captain Collison, made it a hat-trick of assists with another superb cross from the right. This time he lofted it for Zamora to rise and power a header beyond the despairing Doyle. His third goal earned the biggest cheer of the night and suggested that the fans' favourite is not too far away from a first-team return.
FULHAM
Woodside Park
2 - 0 (Hines, Sears)
20 February 2008
Wright
Spence
Tomkins
N'Gala
Miller
Stanislas
Stokes
Collison
Jeffery (Hines)
Zamora
Sears
West Ham United reserves maintained their fine run of form with an excellent home victory against Fulham at Bishop's Stortford. Goals from Freddie Sears and Zavon Hines in the last seven minutes made it three straight wins for Kevin Keen's men and moved them up to second in the Barclays Premier Reserve League South. The club, who also owed a debt to fit-again Bobby Zamora's classy contribution in his second full game inside eight days, are four points behind Aston Villa, although the leaders do have two games in hand.
In freezing conditions, West Ham United were the first to show with Junior Stanislas and Tony Stokes firing in efforts on goal in four minutes. It was to be a night of long-range shooting with Wright and Ricardo Baptista in the Fulham goal largely equal to everything that came their way. The next opportunities saw home forward Jack Jeffery and then visiting defender Nathan Ashton both clear the crossbar when well placed.
Timlin was soon to go into the book for a late challenge, and was followed by Ismael Ehui as Fulham underlined their determination to leapfrog West Ham United in the table, having began the day one point and one place behind. Ehui's 41st-minute caution came just moments after he had seen a header crash against the post - it was the closest either side had come to a first-half goal. Stanislas also had a good effort saved by Baptista just before the break, thanks to clever play from Zamora.
Encouragingly, the No9 grew in stature after the break. On 50 minutes, he showed fantastic ability to trap a ball travelling out of the sky at speed before two minutes later, he beat substitute keeper Neil Etheridge to the ball only to see his goal-bound header cleared off the line. Reserve-team regulars Tomkins and captain Jack Collison also began to dominate with some crunching challenges.
Keen made a change on the hour bringing on Hines for Jeffery and it was to pay dividends. The young replacement showed great attacking verve and in turn his arrival allowed Sears to assume his more natural position through the middle - alongside Zamora. Soon afterwards, Johnson made way for Fulham - taking with it their best attacking threat as West Ham United went close through Zamora, after he was picked out by Hines' precise pass.
Either side of that attempt, Fulham's Ashton and Tomkins both went into the referee's notebook with both sides showing full commitment - although largely the tackles were firm but fair. Against the run of play, Kallio thought he had opened the scoring in the 79th minute only for Tomkins to fling himself in the way. Two minutes later, Sears was set free superbly by Zamora and the young striker - who has 20 goals in 16 Under-18 games this campaign - raced away from Ian Pearce, only to be brought down in the box.
There was no doubt in Sears' mind that he would take the kick and he sent Etheridge the wrong way with a composed finish. Fulham tried to fight back with a period of sustained pressure but the hosts' rearguard stood firm and Hines always looked dangerous at the other end. Sears then set up Ashley Miller, only for the left-back to fire over and then also clear the bar with another speculative shot. No matter, in added time, Hines showed great persistence to force an initial chance and then slotted into the net after a mix-up in the Fulham defence. It sealed an excellent night's work all round.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Matchroom Stadium, Orient FC
3 - 1 (Sears 2, Ashton)
25 February 2008
Walker
Pantsil
Tomkins (Spence)
Miller (Fitzgerald)
Spector
Sears
Stokes
Collison
Reid
Ashton
Zamora (Hines)
Freddie Sears maintained his scoring streak to earn West Ham United a hard-fought victory against a youthful Tottenham Hotspur side. The 18-year-old forward, who this season now has three goals at this level from six appearances along with 21 in 17 games for the Under-18s, struck on the stroke of half-time to cancel out Troy Archibald-Henville's opener for Tottenham. He wrapped up the win with a superb run and shot 17 minutes from time. In between, he found time to set up Dean Ashton for a close-range finish.
Sears had begun the contest on the right wing but moved into attack when Bobby Zamora made way on half-time. It was an experienced side throughout with Jimmy Walker in goal behind Jonathan Spector and John Pantsil. The victory moves West Ham United three points clear of third-placed Reading in the southern section of the Barclays Premier Reserve League and just two points behind leaders Aston Villa - although both have two games in hand after a 1-1 draw on the same evening.
READING
Woodside Park
2 - 1 (Collison, Sonko [og]
18 March 2008
Street
Spence
Tomkins
N'Gala
Widdowson
Stanislas (Payne)
Stokes (Hales)
Collison
Reid
Boa Morte
Hines
A tremendous display by West Ham United reserves saw Kevin Keen's men defeat Reading on Tuesday night and take top spot in the southern section of the Premier Reserve League.
A superb strike from Jack Collison and an Ibrahima Sonko own goal put the home side in a commanding position before the interval. As well as Sonko, the visitors had several first-teamers on view including Ulises De La Cruz, Kalifa Cisse, Michael Duberry, Emerse Fae, Bobby Convey and Dave Kitson, who was to hit a last-gasp consolation. In contrast, only Luis Boa Morte in the home ranks has any real top-flight experience but, as has been commonplace this season, the youngsters were to rise to the challenge.
CHELSEA
Griffin Park
0 - 3
31 March 2008
Walker
Miller (O'Neill)
Spence
N'Gala
Widdowson
Stanislas
Hales
Collison
Kearns (Edgar)
Stokes (Lee)
Camara
REPORT:
DERBY COUNTY
Woodside Park
2 - 1 (Stanislas, Stokes [pen])
9 April 2008
Walker
O'Neill (Brookes)
Spence
N'Gala
Widdowson
Faubert (Kearns)
Harvey
Hales
Stanislas
Edgar
Stokes
West Ham United reserves made it eight home consecutive games unbeaten at Woodside Park with a solid performance that featured a run-out for Julien Faubert.
As planned before kick-off, Faubert got a valuable 45 minutes under his belt as he recovers from a calf muscle injury although it remains to be seen if he will return to first-team duty this campaign. The France midfielder added strength to a home side missing the rested Jack Collison, although in truth Derby were equally inexperienced and have not won a game at this level all season. Stand-in captain Tony Stokes, from the spot, and Junior Stanislas struck either side of a Paris Simmons stunner to seal the victory in the first half.
ARSENAL
Underhill, Barnet FC
0 - 2
21 April 2008
Stech
Spence
Payne (Ashman)
N'Gala
Miller
Stanislas (Lee)
Harvey (Edgar)
Collison
Kearns
Jeffery
Stokes
West Ham United saw their 2007/08 campaign end on a low note as they went down 2-0 at Arsenal but Kevin Keen's men can hold their heads high after a strong campaign.
The visitors were undone by first-half goals from Rui Fonte and Jack Wilshere, with the latter sealing a man of the match display with his stunning strike from 20 yards that gave Marek Stech little chance. The United goalkeeper was back in Keen's lineup for the first time since 23 January and produced several fine stops to keep the home side at bay while Tony Stokes had the best of the chances for the visitors when he smashed a shot against the post midway through the second half.
With Aston Villa drawing 1-1 at home against Chelsea, the result at Barnet's Underhill home this evening was largely academic. Villa moved three points clear of United and still have one more match to play - against Arsenal next Tuesday. The only other challengers for the Barclays Premier Reserve League southern section title are Reading, who are five points adrift and have two games left themselves.
