Hammers off to winning start

Last updated : 20 July 2006 By Plymouth_hammer

James Collins broke the deadlock just before half-time with a powerful far post header from a Mark Noble cross and Dean Ashton got his first goal of the season with strong volley from a Kyel Reid cross on 77 minutes.


Pardew handed debuts to summer signings Lee Bowyer, Tyrone Mears and Carlton Cole and also gave first team action to youngsters Hogan Ephraim, Tony Stokes and Kyel Reid.


The game was played in a competitive spirit on a warm afternoon and Pardew will go away happy with his players work-rate and he'll be content that no players have reported any injuries before their next game against IFK Gothenburg.


Hammers Team:


Bywater: Mears (Stokes 72), Collins, Dailly, Clarke; Noble, Mullins (Fletcher 60), Bowyer (Ephraim 60), Etherington (Reid 60); Sheringham (Ashton 60), Cole (Zamora 60).