Head knock rattles Reid
ALL Whites supporters watched on nervously as Winston Reid took a knock to the head in West Ham United’s disastrous 3-0 English Premier League defeat at home to Brighton and Hove Albion yesterday.
With New Zealand’s allimportant World Cup first-leg playoff against Peru on November 11, there were immediate fears for the worst as Reid collided with Isaiah Brown and dropped to the ground, clutching his head, in the 89th minute.
However, the knock did not appear to be serious, with key centreback Reid assessed on the GETTY IMAGES sideline before returning to the field.
The disappointing result leaves West Ham in 17th, just above the relegation zone, while Brighton and Hove Albion, who won away in the EPL for the first time in 34 years, have moved up to 10th.
It was also a first top-flight away win in four years for their manager Chris Hughton.
Brighton made a bright start and deservedly went in front after 10min when Glenn Murray headed a free kick by Pascal Gross into goalkeeper Joe Hart’s net.
Jose Izquierdo increased their lead in first-half added time with a curling shot from outside the box that beat Hart’s dive, a hammer blow to the hosts, who had improved and looked more likely to equalise.
Murray completed the rout with a penalty in the 75th minute after he was brought down by Pablo Zabaleta.
Brighton defended resolutely during West Ham’s best spell in the latter stages of the first half, but the home side lacked a cutting edge in the box, with suspended striker Andy Carroll watching from the stands.