MATCH REPORT: WEST HAM UTD (H)

Boreham Wood 1 – 4 West Ham Utd
Monday 10th July 2023
Meadow Park, Pre season friendly

West Ham showcased their quality in a dominating display at the Mangata Pay UK Stadium Meadow Park. David Moyes brought a strong squad including the likes of Bowen, Ings, Cresswell, Fabianski plus many more.

The first chance of the game fell to the Hammers 6 minutes in, when the ball found its way to Flynn Downes just inside the penalty area, his curling effort was brilliantly saved by a diving Ashmore. 

Not too long after the Wood had their first attempt of the game when Timmy Abraham tried a speculative effort from distance, however his effort sailed over the bar.

West Ham started to showcase their Premier League quality with Fornals causing problems down the left hand side, on the 12th minute another chance fell to the Irons when Scamacca played the ball to Fornals on the left hand side. However, David Agbontohoma made a crucial challenge to deny the Spaniard and keep the scores level.

The Hammers continued to apply pressure with the biggest chance of the game falling on the 21st minute when Ing’s was played through on goal only to be denied by Nathan Ashmore. However 3 minutes later he avenged his earlier missed chance when the ball was cut back to him on the edge of the area and he whipped a curling effort into the side netting to open the scoring.

The Wood created their biggest chance on the 39th minute when Erico slid through Marsh down the right hand side just inside the area, Marsh drilled the ball across goal but no Wood player could get on the end of it to level the score. Another chance fell to the Wood on the 42nd minute when Trialist A created some space inside the box with a clever flick before firing over the bar.

West Ham continued to dominate possession and on the stroke of half time Fornals whipped in a dangerous cross onto the head of Kamarai Swyer who found the back of the net doubling the Hammer’s advantage.

HT: BOREHAM WOOD 0-2 WEST HAM UTD 

Both teams made significant changes at the break with West Ham introducing the hero from Prague, Jarrod Bowen. Unfortunately the Wood were forced into an early second half change with Jack Payne having to leave the field. Academy prospect Liam Miller was introduced for the first time in a Wood shirt.

West Ham looked to carry on their momentum from the half time goal, with their quality on display for all to see. Jarrod Bowen made an instant impact and was causing problems down the right hand side, he had his first attempt of the half during the 49th minute when he struck the ball from distance and forced Ashmore into a smart save. 10 minutes later he created another opportunity when Downes found Bowen on the right hand side, Bowen cut inside onto his left foot but his effort sailed over the bar.

On the 77th minute West Ham built up play nicely down the left hand side and delivered an enticing ball into the area where Bowen found some space and directed his effort goalwards. However Ashmore once again made an impressive save. Not even 30 seconds later Connor Coventry drilled in a cross from the right hand side and Bowen was there again to bundle the ball home and extend the Irons lead to 3.

The second half was a constant challenge for the Wood with West Ham dominating the majority of the ball, they added a 4th goal on the 86th minute when Bowen played a dangerous ball into Kideon Kodua who took the ball on his chest before slotting it into the far corner.

However, the Wood supporters were given something to cheer right before full time when Femi Ilesnami won the ball back high up the pitch and unleashed a long range effort goalwards. His effort was struck well but hit down the middle, however a goalkeeping error saw the ball bounce over the line and give the Wood a consolation goal.

FT: BOREHAM WOOD 1-4 WEST HAM UTD

Overall it was a challenging night for The Wood, but with Premier League Brentford on the horizon it was important for Garrard to ensure his players are building fitness and gaining sharpness at the right time for the beginning of the Vanarama National League Season on the 5th August.

Luke Garrard’s post match reaction can be watched in full by clicking here.

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