Camara Clicks At The Double

West Ham United secured a 2-1 friendly victory over non-league neighbours Dagenham and Redbridge at Victoria Road on Friday night, thanks to two goals from striker Titi Camara.

While former Manchester United goalkeeper Raimond Van der Gouw started between the sticks, the likes of Camara, Scott Minto, Vladimir Labant, Shaun Byrne, and Laurent Courtois were all given a chance to prove to boss Glenn Roeder that they have a first team part to play this coming season.

Young French striker Youssef Sofiane also made an appearance, impressing with a pacy and exciting first half display, while England under-19 international Glen Johnson looked comfortable in the right back slot.
 
Camara missed a good chance to open the scoring in the 19th minute, when he shot straight at Dagenham keeper Tony Roberts when sent clear through on goal by Labant.

However, the Guinean international made amends 10 minutes later, when he raced clear again and this time shot low past Roberts from 12 yards out.

Dagenham equalised just two minutes into the second half, when veteran striker Mark Stein prodded home from close range.

Substitute James Allen almost restored Hammers' lead immediately, when he burst on to Laurent Courtois' excellent through ball, but the youngster's shot flew just inches wide of the post.

Allen went close again midway through the second half, but with the game heading towards a draw, Camara popped up in the final minute to convert a well taken chance from eight yards out.

West Ham (4-4-2): Van der Gouw (Forde 45); Johnson, Iriekpen (Khan 78), Pearce (D McMahon 45), Minto; Courtois (Britton 81), Byrne (Moncur 45), Edwards, Labant; Sofiane (Allen 45), Camara. Subs unused: Eastwood, McClenahan.