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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Alex Young

Ben Johnson shines as West Ham brush Reading aside in pre-season friendly

West Ham brushed Reading aside at the Select Car Leasing Stadium as the club continued to build up to the new Premier League season.

Jeriel Dorsett, under pressure from Issa Diop, knocked the ball into his own net to give the visitors the lead as half-time approached.

Highly rated Conor Coventry doubled the Hammers' lead before the hour mark, tucking home a fine Ben Johnson pass, before Johnson wrapped up the win with a fine solo finish.

David Moyes handed starts to both Coventry and Armstrong Oko-Flex alongside captain Mark Noble in central midfield, and the former Celtic man step up Pablo Fornals for an attempt on goal inside four minutes.

It was a relatively even half until Jarrod Bowen's corner deflected off Dorsett for the opener.

Said Benrahma, wearing the No22, was among the half-time introductions, and he was involved in the build-up for the second goal as Nathan Holland played in Johnson to tee up Coventry for a tap in.

Holland almost get in on the act himself, after fine work from Manuel Lanzini, another half-time substitution, but was tackled while pulling the trigger.

Johnson then jinked past three before slotting home, and Benrahma's late volley flew agonisingly off target.

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