Reid Strikes To Beat Ipswich

A FINE strike from England Under-17 winger Kyel Reid secured Hammers Under-18s a well-deserved 1-0 win over Ipswich Town at Little Heath.

With gusty winds making playing conditions almost impossible the first-half action was severely limited. However, David Cowley impressed with some probing play from midfield and it was his pass on 29 minutes that set up Reid to gallop into the penalty area and unleash a thunderous drive that gave the Ipswich goalkeeper no chance.

The Tractor Boys responded well to going behind and on 34 minutes Hammers were grateful for Darren Blewitt's goal-line clearance to protect their slender advantage going into half-time.

Ipswich began the second-half well and tested Hammers goalkeeper Matt Reed with a long range free-kick that he did well to tip over the bar.

But Tony Carr's men quickly reestablished their dominance. Densal Davidson couldn't get any power behind his shot on the turn, while Richard Georgio met Blewitt's cross only to see the effort hacked away from underneath the Ipswich crossbar.

Another Blewitt cross was soon wreaking havoc in the Ipswich penalty area, Davidson the recipient this time, but his glancing effort was well saved.

Just after the hour Ipswich were reduced to 10 men when Jerrome Sobers was sent off after a melee just outside the Hammers penalty area. Minutes later Davidson forced another good save from the Ipswich goalkeeper with a thumping shot.

In the dying seconds of the game substitute Ollie Allen almost made his mark with a close range effort, but again the Ipswich goalkeeper was equal to the Hammers threat, palming the ball to safety.

WHU: Reed; Henry (Laws 46), Andrews, White, Blewitt, Wright, Georgio (Welsh 77), Shaw, Cowley, Davidson, Reid (Allen 86).