Goal joy for Jordan

Jordan Spence was understandably delighted after scoring his first West Ham United goal in more than two years.

The 19-year-old defender hit the target with a headed equaliser in Wednesday's 1-1 Barclays Premier Reserve League South draw with Portsmouth at Bishop's Stortford, some 26 months after scoring in a 2-2 reserve-team draw with Arsenal in November 2007.

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The former England Under-19 captain's effort hit a Pompey defender on its way into the top corner, but Spence told WHUTV he was in no doubt that his name should appear on the scoresheet.

"I think there was a bit of confusion but it was mine! The defender had a part to play in it, but I'll take it. My last goal for the reserve team was a little while ago, so it was nice."

While Spence does not score too often, he also famously netted England's winner in their FIFA U17 World Cup group-stage victory over Brazil in 2007.

"I don't remember a lot of that goal, to be honest. Henri Lansbury has had a shot and it was going wide and I've managed to sidefoot it towards the goal. The celebration was a little more muted this time around!"

Having drawn the Hammers level, Spence was disappointed that Alex Dyer's side were not able to go on and win the game. Davide Ferrari and Olly Lee both went close to snatching a winner late on, only to find Portsmouth goalkeeper Liam O'Brien in unbeatable form.

"I think we showed good character. I think we were the better side on the night, as we'd have expected to be with the players we had on show. We just needed to be patient and persevere and if the final ball was right and the finish was right, we could score.

"Certainly, looking at it on reflection, I think we were the better side, but it was better than coming away having lost.

"We were a little bit brighter after half-time. The tempo in the first half was a little bit laboured, so it was case of upping that and doing the things we know are right. Once we did that, we were dangerous and could have got a couple of goals."