WEST HAM'S reserves got their Barclays Premier Reserve League South underway with a defeat to national champions Aston Villa at Villa Park last night.
Alex Dyer's side battled valiantly but they couldn't overcome a strong Villa outfit.
The hosts took the lead as early as the fourth minute, when Nathan Delfouneso held off the challenge of first team boss Gianfranco Zola's son Andrea before firing his shot past the outstretched hand of Peter Kurucz.
The Irons struggled to create many chances at the other end, but they did get back into the game just after the break. Matthew Fry was fouled outside the box and Anthony Edgar fizzed in a dangerous free-kick which came off a Villa defender and deflected into the net.
However, the hosts grabbed all three points 18 minutes from time when Craig Gardner raced through, took the ball on his chest and dinked a clever volley over the advancing Kurucz.
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