Just got back from Portugal and while I was over there took a trip to Braga.

No more than 150 West Ham made the trip including a few who had been let out of the KUMB asylum for the day.

The game wasnt much to write home about. Typical pre season game, with (from our side at least) no one wanting to go in too hard and risk injuring leading up to the start of the season. The same cant be said for Braga who got stuck in a couple of times during the course of the game causing a few handbags moments with our lot taking offence to the strength of tackles from the opposition.

The penalty occured at the other end of the stadium so cant really comment but judging from the player's reactions it was a harsh decision. HT 1-0 down and there wasnt much between the two teams. We looked pretty organised at the back, defending in numbers, with few clear cut chances for either team. Second half see the home side change kits and players, we struggle along with those who ended the first half.

Braga have a goal ruled out for off side, and when all looks lost up pops Reid with what is fast becoming a West Ham trademark set piece goal from a corner.

We could have, and should have won it in inury time with Moncs Jnr bursting through one on one with the keeper. From our angle at the opposite end of the stadium he had a massive amount of empty space to the far post to slot the ball past the keeper but failed to do so and wasted our best effort of the night right at the death.

We looked woefully lacking going forward. Cole and Vaz Te were hardly invloved and their impact on the game was non-existent. Having said that, the service they were relying on wasnt great either. We looked alright defensively. Collins looked assured at the back and Tomkins played the holding midfielder role well. Those two were stand-out players for us with everyone else decidedly average.

Interesting stadium, which at a guess was no more than one third full. I could imagine a capacity crowd could make one hell of an atmosphere there though.

At the end of the game a handfull of the British players came over to acknowledge tha fans while the rest of the team fucked off straight down the tunnel. Joey O'Brien stripped off, bowled straight over to my missus and gave her his top (for which she was far more excited about than she should have been)

Braga is a lovely little town and the stadium is very unique, however on this showing I fear that our stay in the top flight may not be a long one unless we can find some creativity and goals from somewhere.