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Sakho brace helps West Ham cruise past Lusitans in first game of Bilic era

Diafra Sakho scored a double as West Ham United defeated FC Lusitans in Europa League qualifying on Thursday night.


In the first match under the new Slaven Bilic regime, the Hammers were in complete control at Upton Park to finish with a 3-0 victory over the Andorran minnows.

Sakho opened the scoring in the 40th minute with as back-post header from Mauro Zarate's cross before doubling the advantage moments before half-time later with a side-footed effort following some smart lead-up work from Morgan Amalfitano.

The third goal came just before the hour-mark as central defender James Tomkins powered a header past Lusitans keeper Gerardo Rubio to complete a night of celebration for West Ham.

The evening also featured the crowd unveiling of new boss Bilic, who watched from the stands with academy boss Terry Westley in charge, while Reece Oxford became the youngest ever Hammers debutant at 16 years and 198 days.

It was also the first match of the final season at the Boleyn Ground before the East London club head to the Olympic Stadium in 2016.

West Ham will now travel to Andorra la Vella to take on Lusitans in the return bout of the first round of qualifying next Thursday.

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Andrew Slevison
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