Bellamy shines as Hammers win

The Hammers put out a strong starting XI, including Robert Green, Lucas Neill, Dean Ashton and Mark Noble, on a cool evening at the compact Beveree stadium.

The home side were certainly not overawed by their Premier League opponents and took the game to their visitors from the kick-off.

Hampton earned their reward in the 36th minute when Francis Quarm - who works for West Ham as an IT specialist - smashed a superb dipping volley past Green from the edge of the box.

Quarm's joy was short-lived as Bellamy slotted home an equaliser a minute later following good work by Ashton.

The Hammers took the lead just before half time when Ashton, who was unlucky not to score himself, unselfishly set up Noble, who slotted the ball past an onrushing Matt Lovett.

Noble picked up a knock in the process, prompting fears among the large West Ham contingent in the crowd of a repeat of last season's injury woes. As a precaution manager Alan Curbishley took the young midfielder off at half-time, giving Jack Collison 45 minutes of action.

West Ham extended their lead in the 62nd minute with a precise finish as he volleyed home Julien Faubert's excellent right-wing cross.

There was more cheer for Hampton when the lively Laurence Yaku pulled a goal back after 72 minutes but by that stage the Irons were well in control.

A late flurry of substitutions saw a number of Hammers' youngsters get a run out, with Zavon Hines getting on the scoresheet on 81 minutes with a cool strike after he latched on to an excellent through ball from fellow Academy graduate Tony Stokes.

Skipper Lucas Neill was pleased with the performance.

He said: "It was a good start. You don't want to jump into the deep end too early so it was a good competitive game, a good run out, and a lot of the boys got some good work under their belts."

Although the evening ended in defeat Hampton could celebrate a record attendance of 3,118, well in excess of their usual average gate of around 500, giving the club's coffers a welcome boost.

West Ham: Green (Walker, 70), Neill (Spence, 83), Ferdinand, Davenport, Widdowson, Faubert (Stanislas, 65), Mullins (Parker, 46), Noble (Collison, 46), Reid (Stokes, 79), Bellamy (Hines, 79), Ashton (Cole, 46).

Hampton& Richmond Borough: Lovett, Harper, Lake, Jeffrey, Scarborough, Wells, Harris, Quarm, Hodges, Yaku, Matthews.

Attendance: 3,118

For an interview with Alan Curbishley pick up a copy of The Wharf on Thursday (July 24)