Defeat for PL2 side

 

Fellow first-team players Sam Field and Kane Wilson also completed the full 90 as the Baggies were beaten at the Chigwell Construction Stadium.

 

The home side took an early lead as Ash Fletcher's cross was turned into his own net by Jack Fitzwater. There was little the Baggies skipper could do, such was the power of Fletcher's driven ball across the six-yard box.

 

Leko was a threat for Albion up front, with Chay Tilt also going close in the first period.

 

But the Hammers made it 2-0 before half time after Fletcher headed home from Jonathan Calleri's cross.

 

The Baggies rallied in the second half, and Danny Barbir went close after he came on in the 80th minute.

 

There was hope for Albion after Dara O'Shea rifled in from the edge of the area in injury time.

 

But it was just a consolation as West Ham saw out the final seconds to take all three points.

 

Baggies boss James Shan was disappointed with the result, but pleased with how his side applied themselves in the game.

 

"We were excellent. We've conceded two unlucky goals. 

 

"Jack's turned the first one in and the second has come off his shoulder.

 

"I was delighted with our football and the possession we had. We got into some good positions but we probably weren't ruthless enough. 

 

"James (Smith) has an outstanding chance to make it 1-1, and Danny (Barbir) has also gone close in a second half that we controlled and dominated.

 

"We've got to be more clinical in the final third. Dara's strike was fantastic but unfortunately it was too little too late.

 

"There have been games where we've not been at our best and won but tonight we've seen the other side of that. We played well but didn't get the result we wanted."