HAMMER BLOW AS DAGGERS GO DOWN – AGAIN!

DAG & RED 1 WEST HAM XI 2

A LATE Dan Kemp strike saw West Ham United XI edge past National League neighbours Dagenham & Redbridge at Victoria Road, leaving John Still’s men awaiting an elusive first pre-season win.

Jahmal Hector-Ingram fired the visitors ahead midway through the first half, though a Mason Bloomfield penalty 11 minutes from time drew Daggers level.

However, Kemp’s late strike after coming on as a substitute sent the Daggers spinning to defeat.

Despite reports linking Oliver Hawkins with a move away from Victoria Road, the forward lined up in attack for the hosts.

West Ham almost took the lead inside a minute when Hector-Ingram nicked the ball off home defender Craig Robson, but the striker was unable to get his shot away.

Four minutes later, the hosts themselves went close when Corey Whitely’s cross was narrowly headed over by defender Luke Pennell.

At the other end 10 minutes later, Pennell almost gifted the visitors the lead when his clearance cannoned back off a West Ham defender and just wide of the post.

The Hammers did eventually take the lead in the 37th minute, with HectorIngram on target.

The young forward was played in by right winger Joe Powell, before dinking the ball over the onrushing Mark Cousins.

With Daggers still trailing in the 63rd minute, replacement stopper Elliot Justham kept them in the game with a superb double save at close range.

And with 11 minutes to go, Daggers drew level from the spot when Bloomfield dusted himself down after being fouled to convert from 12 yards.

It looked to be heading for a draw, only for Kemp to strike late on, rounding off a swift counter-attack.

Daggers go in search of an elusive first pre-season victory when they host Stevenage on Saturday.