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On the face of it being 2-0 down at half time is obviously not the desired score line , but the generally extremely young West Ham side put out against proper opposition in the form of Rubin Kazan performed admirably, and consideration has to be given to what Slaven Billic wants as an outcome of the Austrian based three pre-season friendlies. There are already some massive positives, none more so than Fenghouli, this guy is going to tear up defenders in the Prem and scare the living daylights out of them with his speed and determination.

Despite all the doom sayers (including us!) Andy Carroll is due to have a half hour run out in the third match of Hammers Austrian tour, it comes too early for him to feature against Rubin Kazan in the second of the pre-season friendlies, but louche rumours of a 'feeling' in his groin seem to have been 'erected' by the press and cognoscenti , and appear generally unfounded as the big geordie looks to begin a season for the first time in his adult career with the potential to start without an injury! Yes, the first time!

A spirited and rewarding Hammers performance for the first 85 minutes which saw them lead 2-0 courtesey of a goal by Mark Noble in the first half wonderfully set up by Martin Samuelsen, and a super header by ex-Manchester United starlet Ashley Fletcher in the second. Unfortunately two goals were conceded in the last minutes by Rafael Spiegel who had only come on to replace Randolph in the last twenty minutes, it wasn't entirely his fault, especially for the first goal, but it spoilt what had been an impressive display.