Taylor returns

Matt Taylor played for 45 minutes today as Ian Hendon's development squad eked out a 1-1 behind-closed-doors draw with Gillingham at the BG.

The much-missed winger, whose width and dead-ball expertise Sam Allardyce's side have been missing desperately in recent weeks came through the run-out unscathed - as did right back Guy Demel, who also featured for a full half.

The 30-year-old Ivorian has featured in just TWO first team games since being signed by Allardyce from Hamburg SV on transfer deadline day back in August.

He played for 79 minutes at Middlesbrough on 29th November before being replaced, then lasted for just four minutes in the 3-0 reversal at Reading - West Ham's biggest defeat of the season - back in December.

The game also featured a host of players on the fringe of the first team squad including Freddie Sears, Danny Potts, Gary O'Neil and Frank Nouble - plus several triallists.

West Ham took the lead through latest first team recruit, American George John, who volleyed home a Taylor corner after just 17 minutes. The Gills equalised eight minutes into the second half to earn a share of the spoils.

West Ham Utd XI: Boffin, Demel (Sanchez 46), Trialist, John, Potts, Hall, Lansbury (Trialist 46), O'Neil, Taylor (Sears 46), Trialist (Dixon 80), Montenegro (Nouble 46)#

Subs not used: Wootton, Ruddock.