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Ravel Morrison played his first game in claret and blue as he captained the West Ham United Development Squad to a 2-1 behind-closed-doors friendly win against Queens Park Rangers.
The deadline-day signing formed part of a strong starting XI for the Hammers that also included Guy Demel, George John, Gary O'Neil, Frederic Piquionne and Sam Baldock at Chadwell Heath on Friday.
Indeed, it was the experienced front two of Baldock and Piquionne who combined to give the home side the lead in the sixth minute. Baldock broke down the left and delivered a pinpoint cross for his strike partner head home firmly from six yards out.
Ian Hendon's side went on to have much the better of the first half but QPR fought back after the break and levelled the game with a stunning equaliser just past the hour mark. The Hammers sealed the win with four minutes to go, however, when a direct free-kick flew in from the edge of the area.
Morrison saw plenty of the ball in a central midfield role and he twice worked the visiting keeper with powerful drives from the edge of the area. Playing No7, the nineteen-year-old showed some neat touches and very nearly added a third goal at the death with a delicate chip that had to be turned over the bar.
Ravel Morrison
Ravel Morrison wore the captain's armband on his Hammers bow
Frank Nouble, playing in a wide midfield role, was also a constant thorn in the side of the Hoops' defence and came close to scoring on several occasions, most notably with a deflected effort that looped on to the bar with eight minutes to go.
At the other end, John looked solid throughout and behind him Marek Stech made three impressive saves, two of which came with a QPR player through one-on-one.
O'Neil partnered Morrison in central midfield before a planned half-time withdrawal for youngster Pelly Ruddock, while Demel showed plenty of promise going forward before being withdrawn in the 71st minute for Josh Siafa.
Fellow substitute Sebastian Lletget perhaps should have done better with a header when well placed. The closing stages of the match also saw youngsters Brian Montenegro and Taylor Miles enter the fray as the Hammers finished with a youthful side.
Hendon would have been delighted with the effort of his side during the win, with several first-team players getting valuable match time ahead of Tuesday's npower Championship trip to Blackpool.
The deadline-day signing formed part of a strong starting XI for the Hammers that also included Guy Demel, George John, Gary O'Neil, Frederic Piquionne and Sam Baldock at Chadwell Heath on Friday.
Indeed, it was the experienced front two of Baldock and Piquionne who combined to give the home side the lead in the sixth minute. Baldock broke down the left and delivered a pinpoint cross for his strike partner head home firmly from six yards out.
Ian Hendon's side went on to have much the better of the first half but QPR fought back after the break and levelled the game with a stunning equaliser just past the hour mark. The Hammers sealed the win with four minutes to go, however, when a direct free-kick flew in from the edge of the area.
Morrison saw plenty of the ball in a central midfield role and he twice worked the visiting keeper with powerful drives from the edge of the area. Playing No7, the nineteen-year-old showed some neat touches and very nearly added a third goal at the death with a delicate chip that had to be turned over the bar.
Ravel Morrison
Ravel Morrison wore the captain's armband on his Hammers bow
Frank Nouble, playing in a wide midfield role, was also a constant thorn in the side of the Hoops' defence and came close to scoring on several occasions, most notably with a deflected effort that looped on to the bar with eight minutes to go.
At the other end, John looked solid throughout and behind him Marek Stech made three impressive saves, two of which came with a QPR player through one-on-one.
O'Neil partnered Morrison in central midfield before a planned half-time withdrawal for youngster Pelly Ruddock, while Demel showed plenty of promise going forward before being withdrawn in the 71st minute for Josh Siafa.
Fellow substitute Sebastian Lletget perhaps should have done better with a header when well placed. The closing stages of the match also saw youngsters Brian Montenegro and Taylor Miles enter the fray as the Hammers finished with a youthful side.
Hendon would have been delighted with the effort of his side during the win, with several first-team players getting valuable match time ahead of Tuesday's npower Championship trip to Blackpool.
