Cole earns a share of the spoils

Reading reserves 1-1 West Ham United reserves
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.

West Ham United: Walker, Pantsil, Dailly, 'Gala, Miller, Reid, Stokes, Collison, Boa-Morte, Ashton, Hines (Cole).
Subs not used: Blackmore, Jeffrey, Hales, Blackwell