Portsmouth reserves 3-0 West Ham United reserves
A youthful West Ham United reserve side went down 3-0 at Portsmouth on Tuesday evening.
Alex Dyer's side could not quite continue their early season form that had seen them go into the match third in the Barclays Premier Reserve League South. A sign that it was not to be their night came as early as the second minute when Gael Nlundulu's shot from the edge of the area flew into the top corner of Peter Kurucz's net.
The Hammers youngsters did not let the early setback deter them and looked the better side for much of the opening 45 minutes. Despite some slick passing, they could not quite create a decent opening, though, with a Bondz 'Gala header probably the pick of a first half devoid of many clear-cut chances.
However, 14 minutes after the restart, Pompey's summer signing Frederic Piquionne made it two for the hosts with a powerful header from Steve Finnan's centre.
Minutes later, Frank Nouble had a great chance to pull one back but after taking it round Antti Niemi he could only fire his shot wide. Piquionne made sure the game was safe for the hosts with his second and their third with 21 minutes to go.
Despite the setback, Dyer will be pleased with the effort his young side put in against opponents featuring several players with international experience. He will look to get back to winning ways in just under three weeks' time when the reserves travel to Chelsea.
West Ham United: Kurucz, Brookes (Ferrari 46), 'Gala, Eyjolfsson, Daprela, Quashie (Kearns 63), Payne, Lee (Grasser 26), Edgar, Montano, Nouble
Subs not used: Cowler, Abdulla