Hendon laments late winner

Ian Hendon's development squad suffered defeat at the hands of a strong Charlton side this lunchtime.

Hendon's side went down 1-0 at Athletic's Sparrows Lane training ground, with the only goal of a hard-fought game scored by Morgan Fox with just ten minutes of play remaining.

Hendon fielded a mostly inexperienced squad for the game, with only Herita Ilunga - cast aside since rejecting a transfer window loan move, as revealed here on KUMB.com last week - and Freddie Sears having first team experience under their belt.

Conversely, the League One leaders' starting eleven consisted of NINE players who have represented the Addicks' first team already this season - the only two yet to feature being recent signings Yann Kermorgant and Mikel Alonso, who were both seeking match fitness.

Despite creating a number of chances throughout the game - the best of which fell to Freddie Sears in the closing minutes, the young striker unable to beat the 'keeper despite being offered a second bite of the cherry - the Hammers were finally beaten when a long ball found former Southend High School pupil Fox deep in enemy territory.

The young defender, a member of Charlton's current under 18 squad turned before finishing coolly, beating Marek Stech at his near post.

West Ham Utd XI: Stech, Driver, Ilunga, Wearen, Scott, Turgott (Shaw 58), Powell (Hurley 53), Fanimo (Miles 87), Sears, E.Lee (Vose 58).

Sub not used: Cowler.

Charlton Athletic XI: Sullivan, Francis, Evina (Ajayi 61), Cort (Jordan 61), Doherty, Hughes, Green (Smith 46), Alonso (Davisson 46), Bover (Fox 61), Kermorgant (Warren 46), Popo.

Subs not used: Pope, Azeez.