West Ham United’s penultimate pre-season friendly match ended in an entertaining 3-3 draw tonight.
West Ham faced Altona 93, who ply their trade in the German fourth division, with a nearly full strength side.
On paper, this was no match.
However, the German side proved to be very difficult opposition and took an early lead with a free kick.
West Ham hit back almost instantly with a well taken strike from young Spanish striker Toni Martinez.
But it all unravelled for the Hammers in the last five minutes before the break.
Firstly, Altona 93 restored their lead with a fine curling effort and then Winston Reid was sent off for dissent on the brink of half time.
The Hammers emerged from the half time break with ten men and a goal down but Andre Ayew controlled a lovely chip from Pedro Obiang and powerfully fired home to draw us level again.
Shortly after, the hosts retook the lead after some questionable defending from a deep free kick.
A late own goal ensured that the match finished at 3-3.
Javier Hernandez came on for his debut and looked lively, nearly winning it for the Hammers late on when his strike was cleared off the line.
Here are how fans reacted to this result, the Reid dismissal and Chicharito’s debut.
Hernandez positioning is beautiful
— Brad (@Brxdp10) August 1, 2017
https://twitter.com/MattWallis25/status/892450920973430784
https://twitter.com/joshgiannini95/status/892450878799716352
https://twitter.com/EdimiIson/status/892451373333311488
https://twitter.com/LordThompson94/status/892451905791823872
https://twitter.com/appyamma/status/892451831942610944
Pretty embarrassing really isn't it
— Ross (@Ross_Goodey) August 1, 2017
It was a FRIENDLY…The real action starts a week on Sunday, and the first team will be playing not a mish mash of the entire squad..
— Scott Prentice (@scottcprentice) August 1, 2017
https://twitter.com/_CarltonCole9/status/892434736727109632
https://twitter.com/LordThompson94/status/892435016415944707
Considering he's not match fit at all yet, Hernandez has been very lively and has made an impact. Great movement.
— West Ham News (@WHUFC_News) August 1, 2017
