Ian Hendon's development squad went down to a 3-0 defeat by Leyton Orient in their opening fixture of 2012 on Tuesday.

Two first-half penalties and a second-half strike from veteran striker Jamie Cureton put paid to West Ham United's chances at Chadwell Heath in a game that saw the Hammers field a number of trialists.

On the positive side, 17-year-old Academy goalkeeper Sam Baxter enjoyed an encouraging debut, while Matt Fry came through his first full 90 minutes since the pre-season after recovering from calf surgery. Jordan Brown (pictured) also caught the eye with a strong performance, while Brian Montenegro gave his all less than 24 hours after making his first-team debut at Sheffield Wednesday.

Baxter was called into action within the opening 20 seconds, making a fine diving save to deny Cureton following a defensive slip.

Both sides created chances before the Os took the lead on 17 minutes. Dean Cox played a one-two with Moses Odubajo before being felled by a sliding challenge from Sergio Sanchez. The captain disputed the decision and may well have got the ball, but the referee was unmoved and Ben Chorley stepped up to score from 12 yards.

The Hammers twice went close, with one trialist shooting over before seeing his low shot diverted wide by the foot of goalkeeper Jamie Jones. In between those two chances, however, Orient doubled their lead.

The second spot-kick arrived on 42 minutes. Cox's through ball found Billy Lobjoit, who went to ground under a challenge from Fry that appeared to occur outside the penalty area. Again, a penalty was given and this time Cureton stepped up to send Baxter the wrong way from the spot.

Hendon introduced youngsters Kieran Sadlier and Pelly Ruddock after half-time, but the changes could not alter the course of the game. Instead, it was the visitors who wrapped up their victory courtesy of Cureton's low finish just before the hour-mark.

West Ham's best chance of the game arrived with nine minutes remaining when the two substitutes combined, only for Ruddock to volley Sadlier's free-kick into the side-netting from close-range.

West Ham United XI: Baxter, Sanchez, Brown, Trialist (Ruddock 70), Fry, Trialist, Trialist, Trialist, McCallum (Sadlier 46), Trialist, Montenegro
Sub not used: Wootton