The Hammers got off to a winning start in their pre-season friendlies with a 4-2 victory over the winners of the Isthmian (Ryman) League from last season Hampton & Richmond. The home side took the lead early on thanks to what is being described as a 30 yard wonder-strike by mid-fielder Francis Quarm (who happens to be the IT for West Ham United). The Hammers soon took over the match thanks to two Craig Bellamy goals which came either side of half-time and sandwiched a Mark Noble effort.

Late in the game, Richmond scored their second goal thanks to a Laurence Yaku goal, but West Ham put the game beyond reach when Reserve team member Zavon Hines raced through to score.

United:Green (Walker 70), Neill (Spence 83), Ferdinand, Davenport, Widdowson, Faubert (Stanislas 65), Mullins (Parker 46), Noble (Collinson 46), Reid (Stokes 79), Bellamy (Hines 79), Ashton (Cole 46)