West Ham United were handed a 5-1 reserve team thrashing by Chelsea - then sent to play their first team in the Carling Cup.

The second-string suffered a dismal home defeat against a side which included former Hammer Glen Johnson last night.

Mark Noble got a spectacular 40-yard consolation goal, but defenders Anton Ferdinand and Andy Melville suffered a miserable evening on their return from injury.

And Johnson will be relishing the chance to take on West Ham at Stamford Bridge in the Carling Cup third round, to be played in the week commencing October 25.

The eagerly-anticipated clash could also see Joe Cole and Frank Lampard take on their former club.

Published Thursday September 23, 2004