West Ham 4
West Bromwich Albion 3
(Barclays Premier Reserve League South)

WEST HAM hot-shot Freddie Sears sent a timely reminder of his talents to boss Gianfranco Zola with four goals as the reserves edged a seven-goal thriller with West Brom this evening.

With the Italian and number two Steve Clarke in attendance at Bishop's Stortford FC's Woodside Park, the lively 18-year-old striker showed his class by equalising three times against the Baggies' second string, before snatching a late winner.

The game also saw the return of defender James Collins - making his first competitive appearance since suffering a knee injury in January - and Lee Bowyer, who has not played since playing in the Carling Cup last month.

First teamers Calum Davenport, Walter Lopez and Kyel Reid were given valuable match time.

Sebastian Lake-Gaskin opened the scoring for the visitors in the 19th minute with a deflected shot but Sears grabbed his first just after the half-hour mark from close range.

Batosz Slusarski put the Baggies back in front soon after from the penalty spot after Collins had fouled in the area.

Yet Sears was soon on hand again to pull it level, reacting quickly to prod home after Bowyer's shot had been spilled.

Lateef Alliyu's impressive long-range strike put the visitors in front once more to bring an end to a pulsating first half.

Sears' hat-trick effort came from the penalty spot - awarded for a handball - just before the hour mark, and then Junior Stanislas struck a post as Kevin Keen's men went in search of the winner.

And they got it seconds from the end when Sears showed his predatory instints, taking advantage of a poor clearance to fire home from just inside the area.

West Ham: Stech, Miller, Collins (N'Gala 69), Davenport, Lopez, Stanislas, Collison, Bowyer (Bajner 69), Reid, Stokes, Sears. Subs: Street, Spence, O'Neill.

[Guardian-Series]

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