GOALS from Moses Ashikodi and Sergei Rebrov earned West Ham United's Reserves a superb 2-0 victory over Derby County in the Premier Reserve League at Pride Park.
Kevin Keen's side turned in a commanding defensive display, and Jimmy Walker in the Hammers goal was rarely troubled by the Rams attack.
At the other end of the pitch, West Ham looked dangerous right from the kick-off and could have taken the lead earlier than midway through the first-half when 17-year-old Ashikodi capitalised on a defensive mix-up to put the Hammers ahead.
A long ball from the back caused havoc in the Derby defence, and
Ashikodi took advantage to round the Rams 'keeper and coolly
slot home.
Despite dominating for the rest of the first period Kevin
Keen's side could not add to their tally and went in 1-0 ahead
at the break.
The visitors picked up where they left off after the restart, controlling the game with a combination of neat passing and solid defending.
Greg Pearson and Ashikodi both went close before the Hammers wrapped up the game with 10 minutes remaining. Substitute Danny Bunce broke from midfield and crossed for former Ukraine international Sergei Rebrov to finish neatly from close range. Kevin Keen's men could have had more, but a hat-trick of chances went begging in the final few minutes, and the Hammers had to be content with a 2-0 victory, ending a run of eight games without a win and pleasing Coach Kevin Keen.
Keen said: "It was a very solid performance, especially at the back where we gave very little away and limited Derby to just a few half chances. At the other end of the pitch, we could have done better, but overall it was a good win and I'm pleased with the performance.
"Rufus Brevett and Sergei Rebrov both looked strong and came through the full 90 minutes, and there were no other injuries to report."
WHU: Walker; Henry, Brevett, Blewitt, Ward, Cohen, Ashikodi(Stokes 75), Wright, Pearson, Rebrov, Reid (Bunce 75). Subs Unused: Laws, Behcet, Epharim, White.