Was Closed Door Friendly Vs West Ham

Pretty "impressive" to do match report and assessment without naming single QPR player! (On the other hand, West Ham do actually mention that this event actually occurred)

West Ham Official Site




Morrison makes bow
Ravel Morrison made his first start in a 2-1 win for the Development Squad


Ravel Morrison played his first game in claret and blue as he captained the West Ham United Development Squad to a 2-1 behind-closed-doors friendly win against Queens Park Rangers.

The deadline-day signing formed part of a strong starting XI for the Hammers that also included Guy Demel, George John, Gary O'Neil, Frederic Piquionne and Sam Baldock at Chadwell Heath on Friday.

Indeed, it was the experienced front two of Baldock and Piquionne who combined to give the home side the lead in the sixth minute. Baldock broke down the left and delivered a pinpoint cross for his strike partner head home firmly from six yards out.

Ian Hendon's side went on to have much the better of the first half but QPR fought back after the break and levelled the game with a stunning equaliser just past the hour mark. The Hammers sealed the win with four minutes to go, however, when a direct free-kick flew in from the edge of the area.

Morrison saw plenty of the ball in a central midfield role and he twice worked the visiting keeper with powerful drives from the edge of the area. Playing No7, the nineteen-year-old showed some neat touches and very nearly added a third goal at the death with a delicate chip that had to be turned over the bar.

Ravel Morrison

Ravel Morrison wore the captain's armband on his Hammers bow

Frank Nouble, playing in a wide midfield role, was also a constant thorn in the side of the Hoops' defence and came close to scoring on several occasions, most notably with a deflected effort that looped on to the bar with eight minutes to go.

At the other end, John looked solid throughout and behind him Marek Stech made three impressive saves, two of which came with a QPR player through one-on-one.

O'Neil partnered Morrison in central midfield before a planned half-time withdrawal for youngster Pelly Ruddock, while Demel showed plenty of promise going forward before being withdrawn in the 71st minute for Josh Siafa.

Fellow substitute Sebastian Lletget perhaps should have done better with a header when well placed. The closing stages of the match also saw youngsters Brian Montenegro and Taylor Miles enter the fray as the Hammers finished with a youthful side.

Hendon would have been delighted with the effort of his side during the win, with several first-team players getting valuable match time ahead of Tuesday's npower Championship trip to Blackpool.
www.whufc.com/articles/20120217/morrison-makes-bow_2236884_2614637

Ravel delighted to make debut
Ravel Morrison was happy to have his first run out for West Ham United on Friday

Ravel Morrison enjoyed his first appearance in a West Ham United shirt on Friday and is looking forward to getting started for real now.

The nineteen-year-old played 90 minutes as he captained the West Ham United Development squad to a 2-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers at Chadwell Heath. Playing in a central midfield role alongside Gary O'Neil, the deadline-day signing from Manchester United showed good composure throughout and came close to scoring on three occasions, only to be denied by the Hoops' goalkeeper on each occasion.

"I really enjoyed it. I think I played OK but I think I can do better as it was my first game for a long while," Morrison told whufc.com. "I nearly scored a couple of goals. I think my best effort was the one the keeper managed to parry out or the chip right at the end."

Ravel Morrison

Morrison has been gradually building up his fitness in training and this was his first match in claret and blue since signing on 31 January. After a cautious start from both sides, the Hammers' new No23 grew into the game and looked confident in possession with a couple of superbly executed cross-field-balls really catching the eye.

"I can feel myself getting sharper and stronger with each training session. I'm not sure how long it'll be until I'm ready for the first team but I'm looking forward to it when it happens."

Morrison was at the Boleyn Ground to take in all of the drama of West Ham's 1-1 draw with second-placed Southampton on Tuesday night. The match served as a good example of the power and passion of the Boleyn Ground crowd and the 2011 FA Youth Cup winner cannot wait to play in front of them.

"I was at the Southampton match the other night and it was a great game. Robert Green was superb and pulled off some world-class saves. The atmosphere was electric and I'm really looking forward to playing in front of the crowd even more now."

www.whufc.com/articles/20120218/ravel-delighted-to-make-debut_2236884_2615233