West Ham reserves report supplied by Message Board regular Wanstead Blue (many thanks). Unfortunately he missed some of the first half, however the majority of the action took place in the second in any case.

Town lined up in a 3-5-2 formation with Salmon in goal and Thetis, Bramble and Miller making up the back three. Karic and Croft filled the wing-back positions either side of Friars, Nicholls and Reuser. Logan and Midgley formed the strike partnership.

The first half was a bit of a stalemate with goalscoring chances at a premium. The half ended with Bramble heading over from 6yds after a 30yd free-kick.

HT 0-0

The second-half was a more lively affair with some nice football being played by both sides and Town taking control for a 30 minute spell.

There was a scare on 55 mins though when Carrick hit a fierce shot against the post from 30yds. The ball bounced to safety and two minutes later Ipswich were ahead.

A shot was parried by the West Ham 'keeper but Midgley was on hand to bury the ball into the back of the net.

Karic, who crossed well all night, then shot over the bar from 30yds and two minutes later had a run and shot from 15yds which was deflected out for a corner. Shortly afterwards the impressive Martijn Reuser went on a 30yd run which was only stopped when he was hauled down on the edge of the Hammers' penalty area. He took the resulting free-kick himself and had his low, curling shot pushed wide for another corner.

Logan then had about three long-range shots on goal within ten minutes but they were either wide or well saved. Karic also had a great shot from 15yds which had to be tipped over.

West Ham came back into it in the last ten minutes and had two one-on-one situations against Salmon but on both occasions the ex-Charlton 'keeper stood his ground and the shots went wide of the goal.

Salmon 6, not much to do but did it well.

Croft 6, steady performance.

Karic 7, excellent crossing.

Miller 6, not yet good enough for first team. Challinor-style throw-ins though.

BRAMBLE 9, best player on the pitch by some distance.

Thetis 6, passed well and defended adequately.

Reuser 8, back to his best and pushing for a first team place.

Nicholls 6, as with Miller, good but not yet good enough.

Logan 8, really impressed and surely the next big thing to come out of the youth setup.

Midgley 7, took his chance and full of running.

Friars 7, very good and still improving.

Photo: Action Images

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