Birmingham too strong in reserves duel

Birmingham City reserves 3-1 West Ham United reserves

A superb Jack Jeffery strike was not enough to stop Kevin Keen's reserves going down to a strong Birmingham City side at St Andrews on Monday 1 October.

Only goalkeeper Jimmy Walker, defender Calum Davenport and winger Kyel Reid in the West Ham United squad had any first-team experience while their hosts boasted several players with proven top-flight prowess. Among them was goalkeeper Colin Doyle, defenders  Stuart Parnaby, Martin Taylor and Radhi Jaidi along with Dutch winger Daniel de Ridder.

Neil Danns opened the scoring following a fine team move in the 18th minute before Jeffery struck a splendid curled equaliser from the edge of the penalty area. However, a disputed penalty just before the hour allowed Danns to restore the home side's lead before Wilson Palacios confirmed victory with a run and shot in the 78th minute.

West Ham United: Walker, Miller (Spence), Widdowson, Ngala, Davenport, Stokes (Stanislas), Hales, Collison, Jeffery, Hines (Sears), Reid.
Subs not used: Fitzgerald, Street.