Dawson’s first Irons goal sees off County

Jarrod Bowen provided a badly needed spark

It was the sort of night designed – as it has been in the past – for the Hammers to lose a game such as the one they faced tonight.

Relentless rain, a pitch which was looking as though it came from another era against a team who were determined to create a shock.

The Hammers looked pedestrian for a very long time but the second half arrival of Jarrod Bowen and Tomas Soucek created just enough of a spark to win a game which was inferior  to Horlicks for those who suffer insomnia.

Thankfully – despite being well organised defensively – the home team had very little to offer  up front.

And although the Irons created just two or three chances, we finally got the result in the 83rd minute when a Craig Dawson header from Bowen’s ball saw us into the fourth round  against Doncaster at the London Stadium.

The conditions of course didn’t help but it was  worrying to watch our laboured efforts, the best of which was an early shot from Benrahma which clipped the outside of an upright.

Michail Antonio got 90 minutes without ever looking really match fit although this outing will help a lot,

It was performance which whilst leaving a lot to be desired came after a very busy Christmas and New Year.

And given the state of the pitch which was hardly designed to help tired legs fair play to the team for a  professional performance and carving out the result.