A goal-fest at Roots Hall, but Blues lose to the odd goal in five.

First half goals from Kevan Hurst and Jack Payne weren't enough, as West Ham United earned a narrow 3-2 win at Roots Hall in the first home pre-season friendly of the season.





Dimitri Payet impressed for the Hammers, scoring two of their goals – both excellent finishes.





And an unfortunate own goal from Luke Prosser proved to be the difference for a strong Slaven Bilic side at a sun-soaked Roots Hall.





It was a bright start to the game from both sides, with Blues wearing the new away shirts for the 2015-16 season.





Hurst had a good opening 20 minutes, and was reward for his efforts with the opening goal of the game. The winger latched on to a deep, looping John White cross, worked a yard before firing goalwards.





The strike got the slightest of deflections before finding the back of the net, leaving Darren Randolph stranded.





However, the lead lasted just six minutes, when Hammers new boy Payet curled a superb free kick into the corner of the net from 25 yards.





And the same man added a second just minutes later.





The French international rifled a first time effort into the bottom right-hand corner of the net after a pass from Martin Samuelson.





Blues kept going, and got back into the game when Jack Payne headed home from close range.





Myles Weston did excellently to get some space before crossing towards David Mooney. Randolph could only palm the ball to Anthony Wordsworth, and his low cross was bundled home by Payne, who was almost on the goal-line.





After the break, West Ham took the lead, and it was an unfortunate own goal by Prosser.





Payet was again the creator for the Hammers, and his low cross missed a few players but Prosser was the unfortunate man who ended up slicing the ball into his own net.





And soon after both teams made a host of changes.





This meant the game broke up slightly, and chances for either team were few and far between.





The last real chance of the game came the way of the Hammers, but substitute Modibo Maiga could only drive an attempt well over the bar.





At the other end, Will Atkinson stabbed a half-volley over the upright, as the game – an entertaining one – fizzled out in the latter stages.





Blues: Bentley (T. Smith, 85); White (A. Trialst, 70), Bolger (Matsuzaka, 81), Prosser (Barrett, 60), Coker (Bridge, 85); Wordsworth (Atkinson, 60), Payne (Leonard, 60), Deegan (Williams, 74), Weston (Worrall, 60), Hurst (Timlin, 60); Mooney (B. Trialist)



