Tempers flared inside the Estádio Municipal de Portimão in a feisty first half as West Ham opened their Torneio do Guadiana campaign against Sporting Lisbon.
A traditionally low-key, pre-season threatened to turn into a free-for-all with half an hour on the clock when United striker Modibo Maiga reacted angrily to the latest in a string of poor challenges on him by squaring up to his challenger (Lisbon's #5).That resulted in angry scenes as almost every other outfield player joined the melee, which eventually resulted in the two original offnders being cautioned for their part in it.
But whilst West Ham - missing their more physically imposing players such as Mo Diame and Andy Carroll - were on the receiving end of some very strong tackles, they proved to be no shrinking violets as Mark Noble and captain Kevin Nolan - to name but two - were happy to trade blows.
Whilst they go into the break a goal behind - Sporting taking the lead in the fourth minute of first half injury time from the penalty spot after being awarded a very debious penalty - West Ham can be pleased with their efforts, having proven to be the more effective of the two teams.
It was the Irons who went closest to opening the scoring when a James Tomkins free kick was diverted into the path of Joe Cole, whose shot on the turn cannoned back off the inside of the far post. Kevin Nolan, who blasted the rebound over from no more than six yards was knew he schould have scored.
We'll have more for you at the final whistle...
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