Boro 2 West Ham 0

West Ham are finding it difficult to put consecutive wins together at the moment. The Hammers started this game with Sheringham and Katan on for Ashton and Etherington. Benayoun and Etherington weren't even on the bench.

West Ham had the best chance early on but Harewood's powerful shot was saved by Mark Schwarzer at point blank range. West Ham dominated the game for much of the first half without really threatening the Boro goal. They were then punished for their lack of creation when Hasselbaink scored from a Bates cross.

Early in the second half West Ham again looked the better side but again failed to create chances. Maccarone then got the second for Boro from the penalty spot after Shaun Newton was judged to have fouled Adam Johnson in the area. Ashton and Zamora were brought on by Pardew and Ashton had a good chance towards the end of the match, but skied his shot high over the bar from close range.

This was only the dress rehearsal; the real thing comes next Sunday.