Irons Squad members gained valuable game time this afternoon against Southen but were beaten  1-0 by a Jack Payne first half goal in  behind-closed-doors game against Southend United.

Italian duo Antonio Nocerino and Marco Boriello both played 77 minutes, while Abdul Razak lasted the full 90 along with Ricardo Vaz Te and Winston Reid.

First team coach Ian Hendon said: It was a very worthwhile game. The two Italian lads who’ve come in have been a bit short on games and minutes so it was nice to get them a good bit of time on the pitch and get them used to the other lads.

“The Italians are technically very good and I think we saw that a little bit in today’s game. Abdul Razak played, albeit out of position at right-back, but he fitted in well and looked very comfortable.

“It was a good run-out and the manager was there to cast his eye over them for the weeks ahead.”

“We’ve seen already that Antonio has come on in two games and not looked out of place, so they’ll be fine.

He added: “Reidy was fine. We’ll get his fitness up, his match-fitness up and he came through the game with no problems. We gave him 70 minutes and he was fine, so he’ll be back in training tomorrow.”

The Hammers went closest through Borriello, who hit the base of the post with a free-kick and saw another shot deflected narrowly over.

“The Italy striker was also denied a penalty despite appearing to be tripped inside the box in the second half, while Ravel Morrison curled a free-kick inches wide of the post.