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It is a subject of debate within football circles that a team without a manager, often performs to a higher standard come match day. This was certainly true of the Internet Hammers on Saturday, as they put a disappointing reverse at Chelsea last week firmly behind them, scoring ten goals against home team Charlton Athletic in an excellent all-round footballing display at Eltham Town F.C.

The absence of Hammers boss Dan Hart did not have a detrimental effect on a team that ran out easy winners on the day, to the delight of stand in manager Graeme Howlett. Especially pleasing for Hart and Howlett would surely be the performance of the defence, conceding just two goals, which in the absence of a recognised goalkeeper was no mean feat. In fact it could be argued that, disregarding one excellent first half save by Kevin North, the two shots on goal from which Charlton scored, were the sum total of the days work for the visiting keeper. This was, in no small part, due to the outstanding performance of centre backs Duke Stribbling and Nick Crussell.

Naturally enough however, ones attention is drawn to the goals scored column, which makes pleasant reading for strikers Darren Chalker (4 goals), and Sean Calvert (3 goals). Both could have added to their respective tallies throughout the match, as could several teammates, as West Ham carved out a number of opportunities in taking advantage of a rather flat Charlton back four by playing the long ball over the top for the forwards to run on to.

The Hammers opening goal was scored by Calvert midway through the first half, seizing on a loose piece of control by the home centre back, and poking home left footed from eight yards. Chalker soon joined in on the act, giving West Ham a two nil half time lead with a close range header after an excellent run and cross from Russell Peters on the right wing.

The belief seemed to drain out of the home side after they conceded a couple of quick second half goals and West Ham dominated proceedings in the final period, with solid defending and tireless midfield battling aiding their cause. Goals from Newman, Howlett and North added to the forwards’ seven shared strikes. Charlton notched two consolations past rookie goalkeepers Boakes and McDonald, but this was never going to be the hosts’ day, and the Internet Hammers will hope to build on this form in the run-up to the Worldnet tournament, when they entertain Spurs next week.

West Ham United: North, Grimsey, Stribbling, Crussell, Boakes, Peters, McDonald, Newman, Howlett, Calvert, Chalker, Raistrick, Thrower

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