WEST HAM striker Freddie Sears helped stake his claim for a first-team place with a four-goal display in the reserves' comfortable win at Conference South side Bishop's Stortford.

The home side started well but the Hammers gained a foothold in the game and nudged themselves ahead when Cristian Montano was brought down in the box and Sears stepped up to caress the ball into the net.

A devastating three-minute spell just before half-time took the wind out of Stortford's sails. First, left-back Jordan Brown bustled his way down the left and found Sears inside, and the striker made no mistake, finishing well from a central position.

Two minutes later and Sears was at it again, this time finding himself through on goal after collecting a through ball from Ahmed Abdulla and coolly slotting the ball past Nicky Morgan in the home goal.

Sears was on fire, and his scoring still did not cease. It was Abdulla again who was the provider, getting to the byline and pulling the ball across for the striker, who cleverly flicked the ball over the line.