Carlton Cole’s first half goal was enough to give West Ham a 1-0 victory over Town at Portman Road. However, the result didn’t tell the whole story with the Blues matching their top flight opponents throughout.

Town lined up again utilising the 4-3-3 formation that has been a feature of pre-season with Luke Hyam taking up the midfield holding role behind Grant Leadbitter and David Norris, who was returning from his back injury.

There was no places for Pablo Couñago, Lee Martin or Jon Stead, who has turned down his move to Blackpool, in the 18, while Owen Garvan is set to complete his switch to Crystal Palace on Monday.

Carlos Edwards was on the left of the front three with skipper Jon Walters on the right and Tamás Priskin in the centre. As expected, former Blue Kieron Dyer started in the West Ham midfield with Suffolk-born skipper Matthew Upson at the back and former England goalkeeper Robert Green between the sticks.

Town created the first chance of the game in the 15th minute, David Norris threading Tamás Priskin in behind the defence but the striker took the ball wide and Green blocked. From the corner, Gareth McAuley headed over when unmarked. Both Priskin and McAuley will feel they should have done better.

Soon after Green stopped a regulation low drive from Leadbitter to a huge sarcastic cheer from the Sir Bobby Robson Stand.

On 23 ex-Town loanee Mark Noble replaced Matthew Upson, who was suffering from a thigh strain, then moments later Priskin headed Edwards’s cross from the left over after a corner.

Town had looked significantly the more dangerous side, but the visitors went in front on the half hour. Kieron Dyer, who in the reshuffle after Upson’s exit had moved to right-back, made a run down the right, laying the ball back to Julian Faubert, who crossed. Brian Murphy saved Luis Boa-Morte’s header but Carlton Cole scrambled home the rebound from three yards.

West Ham ought to have increased their lead in the 37th minute when Dyer fed Noble down the right and the midfielder played in a low ball to Thomas Hitzelsperger, who scuffed his shot wide from 12 yards.

A minute later, Peters sent a dangerous ball across the Hammers’ box just too far ahead of Edwards and Walters, then Green was out quickly to clear ahead of Edwards.

A minute before the break, a Thomas Hitzlsperger corner from the right was allowed to reach James Tomkins six yards out but he failed to get a significant touch on the ball.

The 1-0 scoreline was a bit harsh on the Blues at the break after a half in which Town had matched their Premier League opponents and probably had the better of the chances until the closing stages when Hitzlsperger in particular should have increased his side’s lead.

Two minutes into the second period Green, who had been serenaded with chants of ‘USA, USA, USA’ from the Sir Bobby Robson Stand, saved Walters’s close range header from a corner.

The Blues continued to enjoy the better of the game, keeping possession long spells and in the 55th minute Norris saw a shot from the edge of the area deflect wide.

West Ham gradually came back into it and sub Danny Gabbidon shot wide, then in the 70th minute Murphy did well to get to the ball ahead of Hammers sub Freddie Piquionne.

Soon after, Edwards sent in a cross from the Town right but Walters’s header was too weak to test Green.

On 72 both sides made numerous subs, Jack Ainsley, Ronan Murray, Reggie Lambe and Shane O’Connor replacing Jaime Peters, Tamás Priskin, Carlos Edwards and Mark Kennedy for the Blues.

Republic of Ireland U19 international Murray was straight into the action, flicking a header from a Leadbitter freekick to Green.

Town should have been on terms in the 74th minute from another Leadbitter freekick, Tommy Smith rising above everyone but nodding the ball wide.

A minute later, Leadbitter went even closer to grabbing an equaliser after Murray had been fouled 25 yards out. Norris played the ball to the midfielder who flicked it up and struck a shot only narrowly over Robert Green’s crossbar.

At the other end, Cole took the ball down and made a strong run in from the left but Brian Murphy blocked.

West Ham sub Alessandro Diamanti struck a shot straight at Murphy as the game entered its final 10 minutes, then Leadbitter curled a freekick goalwards but without overly troubling Green and that was the Blues’ final chance.

Town had been by no means out-classed by their opponents and a draw was probably a fair result on the balance of play. The Blues had plenty of the ball, Hyam again impressing in the holding role, but all too often failed to test Green sufficiently once they had got into dangerous areas.

Tamás Priskin continues to look lacking in confidence in front of goal, but as at Bury did well with his overall game. The Hungarian, like several members of the side, could do with a goal when Town take on a Spurs XI in their final pre-season friendly on Tuesday, but overall it was a heartening display from Roy Keane’s men.

Town: Murphy, Peters (Ainsley 72), Kennedy (O’Connor 72), Hyam, McAuley, Smith, Walters, Norris, Priskin (Murray 72), Leadbitter, Edwards (Lambe 72). Unused: Lee-Barrett, Brown, Hourihane. Att: 10,564.

Photo: Action Images

Gus added 19:03 - Jul 31 A team of; ----------------------Murphy------------------------ RB----------McAuley-------Delaney--------Kennedy -----------------------Hyam------------------------- --------------Norris---------Leadbitter------------- -----Walters--------Wickham----------Civelli is a very good champo team. Just get Delaney and Wickham fit and a new RB in and I'd say we could have a very good first team just lacking strength in depth. Even if we stick with our current squad, I still have a fairly positive feeling over this coming season.

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tort63 added 19:18 - Jul 31 That was a half decent performance against the Hammers this afternoon and I'm a lot more confident about this season now than I was at 10 to 3. Luke Hyam looks really assured at this level and will be a major player for us this season. All we need now is somebody who knows where the back of the net is. Priskin will come good but he needs a couple to bounce in off his backside to get his confidence up in front of goal. Otherwise his all round play is much better than last season. Mac, Walters & Tommy Smith all missed sitters from free headers. If a couple of them had been buried we would have had a comfortable win against Premiership opposition.

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Back_The_Boss added 20:00 - Jul 31 Half the crowd were West Ham fans. Good run out, promising, just need a striker.....and fast.
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ChambersM added 20:01 - Jul 31 People say we need to get rid of dead wood but our squad is bare! Did you see what we had on the bench today?!
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SiBo added 20:03 - Jul 31 I do think some are being a little harsh on Priskin... yes he doesn't look the most confident of players at the moment, but today he put in a decent stint up front... Someone said he kept drifting too wide, well that's only half true, coz if you watched him/Walters they kept swapping with Walters going into the centre and Priskin then wide... one or other was always pretty central. Priskin got in some very good positions (hence the number of chances he got) and worked the ball pretty well, but does just look a little shot shy, which is understandable really... I still think if he can put one away over the next couple of weeks he'll suddenly look a much improved player... and as Tort63 said, he wasn't the only player to miss a decent chance... whoever it was said we had no quality in midfield and were playing it long all the time was either watching the game in a parallel universe or I really do need to call in the men in white coats… I didn't see a long ball hoofing team a tall today… I thought we passed it well and kept the ball well against Premiership players… As far as width is concerned, you get that in this system with the full backs… Peters did make the odd forward run (For width) but Kennedy appeared a little reticent to do so on the left… probably because the guy he was against was pretty quick and he didn't want to give him a head start… I like the formation (4-1-2-2-1)… more attacking than the version that has 2 sitting midfielders and 1 further forward (4-2-3-1), but it will take time for the players to really bed it in. The likes of Walters and to a lesser extent Edwards need to be a little braver when we have the ball and get forward quicker to support the lone front man… we did it at times, but just need it a bit more often.

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SiBo added 20:13 - Jul 31 ChambersM: I did see what we had on the bench... a fair few youngsters is what I saw... and those that got on appeared to give their all whilst on the pitch. nice to see... don't forget we had a few out today... Wickham, Delaney... didn't see Hourahaine (Spell?) either... much rather see a youngster like Hyam, give his all and play well than someone who's just picking up the pay cheque...

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blueherts added 20:20 - Jul 31 Yep some good positives - playing pre seasons always difficult to guage but thought set up well and moved ball around nicely with Leadbitter and Norris and Young Hyam sitting just in front playing well Of course we scream out for a striker - thought Priskin was very average today Loved the banter with Green Yes Right back cover needed and mention for Kennedy who I think will give us a good bit of experience and a good left foot delivery We deserved to get something out of this game Mention to for McCauley who had a good game with Smith at the back Cole is a handful and thought we played him well Overall very good and loved the free kick in second half that went just over

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budgieplucker added 23:47 - Jul 31 Game played at a good tempo. Very good performances from McAuley and Tommy Smith. MOM for me was Luke Hyam - this is what excites me about the future of the club is that youngsters will be given a chance. It was a great pleasure to see a young lad come into the side and display such good composure, tough tackling, and prepared to make himself available like a seasoned pro. Jamie Peters will prove to be a tremendous asset to the club as a utility player who can come in and do a makeshift job. However, it is fair to say his lack of height contributed to the chance that was put away by Cole. Murphy though has to take most of the stick here for a weak parry. Don't think Jamie is the answer though as a permanent right back. Leadbitter & Norris worked like trojans and very industrious. Edwards & Walters again both worked tirelessly but we still somehow failed to utilise the flanks to any real advantage. For me they both failed to give us any real pace or play any penetrating balls into the box. Not much cohesion with full backs either. Given the industrious nature of the Norris & Leadbitter partnership then we have to do MUCH MUCH better in the creativity stakes from the flanks. Priskin - put in a decent shift for me especially as he had little support from other Town's players. I wouldn't knock him on this performance and think he is worth a few run outs. For me I don't as yet see a top six side, however, if I can see young players given a chance and see them personally improving over the course of a few weeks then I would be happy to see us maintain a mid-table safe position for the majority of the season. The fact we have too many big wage earners not earning their crusts vindicates for me the stance of ME to try and get them off of the books. Whether RK sticks with it or not until the end of the season I will still passionately be behind the team/club if we are trying to get a good blend of seasoned pros and youngsters playing together. You need consistency from your senior players to support the youngsters.

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TractorBeezer added 00:51 - Aug 1 There are some insightful and helpful comments on here especially from SiBo and budgieplucker....thanks. Sounds like there is much to look forward to but looks like we need another striker and right back (maybe a left winger if Civelli isn't 100%). Could be an interesting week ahead in the transfer market. Keep the faith.Up the Tractor Boys!
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emergencylime added 09:15 - Aug 1 couldn't get any semblance of an update up here in the north-east, so thanks for the comprehensive report. A promising performance by the sounds of it, the players clearly weren't overawed by what seemed a pretty strong Hammers side. I think the comments on here so far point toward the same conclusion: Priskin will come good if he is allowed time, but someone with a greater track record than 'half a season at Watford' is needed to keep him biting, and give our 17 year old frontman some support (when he's fit) so he doesn't burn out through the pressure that is being placed on him. The new formation gives me cause for cheer, I'm glad RK seems to have put a system in operation that will produce better-looking football than that cohesion-devoid garbage we had to endure last season. I hope Gio plays in the Spurs match as he is a joy to watch, I'm sure he'll get a glowing welcome from us even though we know he's (probably?!) out of our reach.

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8ashblue added 10:41 - Aug 1 Sadly i wasnt at game but when i was at the Ipwich golf day a few months back Leadbitter said that he'd always been used as in a defensive role at Sunderland and was therefore having to adjust his game. Perhaps thats why it looks like we have a defensive midfield! But if Hyam fills the holding role them perhaps Norris and Leadbitter will find they can move up with more confidence. its early days but i agree with some that its getting the forwards to score is the answer. Simple!

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cossy81 added 13:47 - Aug 1 Let Walters go. Yet another player dragged out of the lower leagues who we turn into a half decent player and then decides he can do better elsewhere.i have no time for them...if the rumours true of course!
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stinkiusminkius added 14:21 - Aug 1 Jas0999 - do you ever stop moaning about people moaning?? Or even about how you anticipate that people MAY moan???? ;-) But to the game - sounds promising, although to have a moan (ha ha), allowing d wright to go seems more of an obvious glaring error than initially thought.
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SiBo added 16:11 - Aug 1 I think another point to note is that RK has said over the past few days (As reported in the papers) that he wants to land Furlop, which I think is good as it improves us in that department... Murphy was at fault for the goal yesterday and those blaming Peters were either not there to see it, or just have an issue with Peters... Lay of Jamie guys... he could be moulded into a decent attacking full back given the backing of both the management team (He appears to have that) and the fans (Let's give him our support!) RK also stated that should the Garven move go through, he knows who he wants to replace him (Hopefully a more creative player) and of course everyone knows he's after a forward and it's no secret that Chopra is top of his shopping list there... with these 3 signings I think we will be promotion candidates... I know that's a bit much to say from just what I saw yesterday, but I really don't think that yesterdays team was far short of a decent side who can play decent football. The new formation lends itself to passing football rather than hoof ball and we did that well yesterday. The only negative I would add is that if the rumours are true and we have been offered £2.5m for Walters, I've changed my mind... I WOULD take it as I'm sure we can get a "quicker" more "creative" replacement in for that sort of money. Walters for me was probably the most dissapointing yesterday. He wasn't bad... he worked hard... I just don't think he can get back to that really good football he played a couple of years back... or at least I haven't seen signs he can... Also remember we had a few who weren't even in the squad yesterday... Wickham and Delaney as I've already said, but also Civelli and Martin, both of which have had decent reveiws in the previous pre-season friendlies... I don't think things are as bad as some make out.

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robdaful added 19:21 - Aug 1 Some very promising signs from where I was watching. Priskin didn't look to bad either. Kennedy looked great and he looks a great corner kicker. (even tho he didn't take many.) If Fulop signs then we will only need a RB and striker. As people have said Peters wasn't a good RB. Not his fault as I cann't see him asking for that role. If Walters goes I'd like to see Peters replace him and a new RB brought in to take over. But as I said last night was promising. Bring on Tottenham and the new season.

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jas0999 added 19:36 - Aug 1 stinkiusminkius Unfortunately, every single article since the end of last season has seen at least two or three people moan. It's a fact I am afraid. I am merely pointing out that we should get behind the team - of course there are negatives and it's right to point them out - but some on here are 100% negative - all of the time. They refuse to post when we do well and moan moan moan the rest of the time! It's a fact!

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stinkiusminkius added 20:08 - Aug 1 Jas0999 - I agree that there are a few on here there are overly negative all the time, but they can just be ignored. I think there also are many on here who feel they are justified in being negative/concerned/realistic (delete as applicable). I am definitely in the anti-keane camp but only vent it on here. At matches I will NEVER boo the manager or team or any player as that doesn't help. I could write reams on here about what I think are the negatives but can't be bothered again. But to end on some positives - I think fulop could be keanes best signing (reckon he's top 1 or 2 keepers in our league). And I also think this trying of the 4 3 3 (or 4 1 2 2 1) is a very positive approach and good to see a different approach. So fingers crossed for the season (although I am still negative / concerned / realistic). COYB

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multipulemicky added 05:46 - Aug 2 we do need a striker quick!!!!
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