Parker back in Hammers triumph

Panathinaikos 0-1 West Ham United

Scott Parker made a welcome return to action with a 45-minute run-out as the Hammers made it three wins from three this summer.

The England midfielder was made captain for the rain-sodden match in Kitzbuhel, just across the Austrian border from the club's Bavarian base. He lined up alongside Mark Noble and Thomas Hitzlsperger in midfield, and it was his German colleague who scored the only goal of the game. Just before half-time, Der Hammer let fly with a pile-driver of a free-kick that raced into the goal.

The win was a hard-fought one with the Greek double winners and UEFA Champions League contenders stepping it up after the break. Sotiris Ninis was the danger man in the second half but could not find a way through. Grant will be delighted to see Danny Gabbidon, Herita Ilunga and Kieron Dyer all show their fitness over 45 minutes.

The Hammers had already won their previous two pre-season fixtures. A 2-1 win against Peterborough United was followed by last Saturday's 2-0 success to kick off the Germany training camp against VfL Borussia Monchengladbach. Friday's defeat of Panathinaikos was the second straight clean sheet as well.

The squad will travel back to England on a high this weekend before Wednesday night's trip to MK Dons and the Saturday week date at Ipswich Town. The FIFA World Cup quartet of Robert Green, Jonathan Spector, Matthew Upson and Valon Behrami will add to the mix as well as new recruits Pablo Barrera and Freddie Piquionne.

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