Reserves beaten by Palace

The reserve team lost 2-0 against Crystal Palace at Bromley on Wednesday evening.

The hosts took the lead through midfielder Lewis Spence on 13 minutes, a goal created by striker Charlie Sheringham, the son of our very own Teddy, who is currently on trial at Selhurst Park.

Kevin Keen's young side fought on bravely and Kyel Reid came close to grabbing an equaliser, but Palace made their greater experience count and secured the three points with a second goal in the 80th minute.

Striker Lewis Grabban turned Liam White on the edge of the penalty area and was tripped by the Hammers defender in the box. The referee pointed to the spot immediately and Grabban picked himself up to fire home from 12 yards.

Kevin Keen said: "The lads put in a lot of effort and hard work, but physically they were a bit stronger than us and had greater experience in their line-up.

"Kyel Reid had a very good chance to equalise but we were chasing the game in the second half and it wasn't the greatest of performances. We have played a lot better in recent weeks, and maybe this was just a game too far.

"On a positive note, two schoolboys - Jordan Spence and Tom Harvey - made their first starts at reserve team level, although Jordan unfortunately pulled a hamstring in the first half."

Hammers: Bywater; Henry, Spence (Ngala 40), White, Andrews (Fitzgerald 45); Harvey (Stanislas 82), Reid, Baradji, Hines; Jeffrey, Ephraim. Subs not used: Blackmore, Hunt.