Elvis Hammond returned to action after a lengthy injury layoff on Wednesday afternoon in a behind-closed-doors reserve friendly at Motspur Park. The striker, who fractured his kneecap two months ago, made a goal scoring return in a victory over Leyton Orient
Hammond opened the scoring with a typical poachers’ effort. The visitors managed to get back on level terms courtesy of a deflected free kick but the Whites won the game in the final minute through a Loui Fazakerley strike.
Speaking after the match, reserve team manager Paul Nevin was pleased with Hammond’s performance.
“We knew that Elvis was close to getting a run out so that was one of the reasons we arranged this game,” he explained. “He played 45 minutes and did very well considering he’s been out for so long. Initially we were going to look at him for 30 minutes but he looked fresh and was posing quite a threat.
“He went out on loan to Norwich earlier in the season but he hasn’t had a lot of playing time so far. I’m sure it’s been a very frustrating time for him recently, especially when you consider the number of games he played at the end of last season.
“There’s no reason why he can’t build up his time on the pitch and possibly go out on loan at some stage to get some more games under his belt.”
