Half-time sub Ronan Murray scored twice and created the third for Nathan Ellington as Town’s reserves came from behind to beat West Ham 3-2 in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Playford Road this afternoon.
The visitors went ahead in the 33rd minute when Matthew Taylor headed home a cross from skipper Olly Lee after a build-up involving George Moncur, son of former Blues loanee John.
Town hit back on 53 through Murray, a half-time sub for Daryl Murphy, who was playing his first game after his pulled hamstring. After good work on the left, the ball was played inside to the Irish youngster who was given time to pick his spot.
Murray made it 2-1 to the Blues on 61 after Jay Emmanuel-Thomas had cut the ball back to him. His first two efforts were blocked by defenders with the keeper already beaten before the Irish U21 international finally rammed it over the line.
The one-time Torquay loanee continued his impressive half by creating Town’s third six minutes later, sending in a cross which Nathan Ellington volleyed home at the far post. West Ham pulled a goal back in the 71st minute via a Freddie Sears shot.
Trialist Teddy Bjarnason, who TWTD revealed would be at Playford Road this week on Sunday, started in the centre of the midfield and played the full 90 minutes.
Reserves: Cropper, Wabara, Kennedy, Ainsley, Smith (Whight 70), Hyam, Lawrence, Bjarnason, Emmanuel-Thomas (O'Connor 62), Murphy (Murray 46), Ellington (Burke 70).
West Ham: Kurucz, Driver, Brown, Potts, Demel, Wearen (Lletget 62), Moncur, O Lee (Turgott 85), Sears, Taylor (Vose 67), Montenegro. Unused: Larkins, K Lee.