A YOUNG West Ham United second-string suffered a 4-1 Barclays Premier Reserve League South defeat at a gloomy, chilly Fulham last night.

After matching a Cottagers’ side containing five full internationals for much of an eventful first half, Alex Dyer’s side — containing just one player out of his teens in 21-year-old Canvey Islander Tony Stokes — conceded three goals in seven minutes either side of half-time.

With regulars Freddie Sears — a four-goal hero against West Brom a week ago — and Jack Collison absent and the returning James Collins and Lee Bowyer not risked, the inexperienced Hammers found the going tough against Billy McKinlay’s side at Motspur Park.

Norway international Erik Nevland opened the scoring on 40 minutes, sliding home Seol Ki-Hyeon’s cross just moments after he had been booked for punching the South Korean’s deflected centre past Marek Stech. Having gone in front, the hosts put themselves out of sight within 108 seconds of the restart.

First, just 50 seconds after the break, Seol curled a left-foot shot into the bottom corner from 20 yards.

A minute later it was 3-0 as former Birmingham City winger Julian Gray slotted home the same player’s low cross from close range.

The scoreline was harsh on Dyer’s team and, in particular Junior Stanislas, who forced Swiss international goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbuhler into three smart saves with long-range efforts.

And the visitors’ hard work was rewarded with a consolation goal on 55 minutes when Eyjolfsson headed home Ryan O’Neill’s deep cross.

Fulham were to restore their three-goal lead, however, with Wayne Brown lashing home from 30 yards midway through the second period.

West Ham United Reserves (4-3-2-1): Stech, O’Neill, Miller (Fry 53), Eyjolfsson, N’Gala, Stokes, Lee, Grasser (Montano 72), Edgar (Kearns 72), Stanislas, Bajner.