Nathan Trott and his West Ham United Development Squad teammates succumbed to League One outfit Southend United as they were beaten 3-in their third pre-season outing.
A Stephen McLaughlin double came after David Mooney’s opener to secure the win for Phil Brown’s men, but Anthony Scully and Jahmal Hector-Ingram ensured West Ham United put up a fight in the second half.
As the 1,000-strong crowd basked in the sunshine at the home of Great Wakering Rovers, the Hammers lined up without a number of their young stars who were away in Austria with Slaven Bilic’s first team.
In an even first half, it was Southend – with a full-strength starting XI – who converted their opportunities as they took the lead half-an-hour into the clash.
McLaughlin’s cross from the left-hand-side was bent into the penalty area and former Leyton Orient forward Mooney was able to nod the ball into Trott’s top corner.
Trott had previously been tested on a number of occasions, and his flying save to deny Mooney a second one minute after the goal was the pick of his superb stops.
Previously, Grady Diangana has come closest for the Hammers, as he cut inside from a short corner kick but could only fire into the side netting.
The League One side doubled their advantage ten minutes after the opener, with McLaughlin again heavily involved.
Full-back Jason Demetriou charged down the right flank and whipped in another centre which, beyond the reach of Alex Pike, midfielder McLaughlin was able to convert with a diving header.
After the break, substitute keeper Sam Howes was instantly worked, as he made a superb double stop to deny McLaughlin and forward Simon Cox.
He could do nothing about United’s third six minutes into the second period however, as star man McLaughlin collected a long ball and fired under the stopper.
The Hammers probed and eventually got a reward for their tireless efforts.
Hector-Ingram – who minutes earlier was denied one-on-one – was fouled inside the penalty area twelve minutes from time, and midfielder Anthony Scully coolly slotted into the left-hand-corner.
And in the 83rd minute, West Ham set-up a grand stand finish, as Hector-Ingram tapped home after the visitors had crashed against the woodwork.
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