Old Boys So Close

West Ham United's heroes of the past came within a whisker of winning the London Masters Six-A-Side tournament for the second year running on Sunday evening, losing to Charlton Athletic after a penalty shoot-out in the final.

The Hammers, managed by former playing legend and Frank Lampard, were 3-1 up with just two minutes of the final remaning after strikes from Kevin Keen, Frank McAvennie and Tony Cottee, but conceded two goals - the second coming in the last five seconds - and then wasted a golden opportunity from the spot after Charlton had missed two of their first three penalties.

First Cottee blasted his kick over the bar and then Ray Stewart - generally regarded as the most prolific penalty-taker in Upton Park history - uncharacteristically sidefooted his effort wide.