Many of the Hammers’ senior players started the game although there was a nice blend between youth and experience as several of the development squad got a good run out.
Spanish Goalkeeper Adrian started between the sticks and Ravel Morrison was given another chance to impress in the midfield.
The match was played at a high tempo but it wasn’t until just before the break that the Hammers made the breakthrough with a Mark Noble penalty after Espanyol midfielder Abraham blocked a Matt Jarvis cross with his arm.
The hosts tried to get themselves back in the game in the second half but some resolute defending from a young and inexperienced back-line was enough to give the Hammers the victory.