Hammers win at Boreham Wood ‘a good workout’ says McKinlay

Nine first-team players started at Meadow Park, with a number of academy youngsters on the bench.

Experienced striker Danny Ings opened the scoring on 25 minutes, with 20-year-old Kamarai Swyer heading home a second just before half-time.

Europa Conference League final hero Jarrod Bowen made it 3-0 from close range in the second half and FA Youth Cup winning captain Gideon Kodua added the best of the night when chesting the ball down, turning and firing past Nathan Ashmore.

Femi Ilesanmi grabbed a consolation for the hosts, beating Joseph Anang from distance, but McKinlay was pleased with the display ahead of the club’s trip to Australia.

“First of all the fitness aspect was really good, and obviously we got a decent performance and a good win too,” he told whufc.com.

“Fitness is the key element in the early part of pre-season, and we have to be a little bit careful because of the game being a couple of days earlier than we had it in previous seasons, which means there could be a bigger risk of injury so we have to be careful on a number of aspects. 

“Physiologically it’s good for the players to get that first action over and done with, and now they can concentrate on progressing with their fitness levels.”

With West Ham’s international players not available yet, McKinlay was pleased to see youngsters take their chance ahead of the trip Down Under.

“The Academy lads had a brilliant season last year,” he added.

“There’s a lot of emerging talent and we have high hopes for them. They got their opportunity with the international boys not available yet and they have to take those opportunities when they come around. It was good to see them in action tonight.

“Being out in Australia will be a good experience. That’s what happens these days, you’re flying all around the world and it’ll be a good experience. 

“We’ve had the game here and now we head out there for two matches and we’ll get ourselves ready to keep progressing.”

West Ham play A-League side Perth Glory on Saturday, then meet Premier League rivals Tottenham on Tuesday (July 18) before returning to the UK.

They visit Dagenham & Redbridge on July 22 (3pm) and French club Rennes on July 29 (5pm).