Starting with a three-man defence supplemented by wing-backs Harry Amass and Jaydan Kamason, United contained West Ham well for the most part in an even first half. The Irons’ striker Ajala did convert powerfully past Dermot Mee on one occasion, but from an offside position, while the Northern Irish goalkeeper watched one first-time long-range effort from 4 sail wide of the right post and comfortably saved another two minutes later.
Ethan Wheatley also had a goal ruled out for offside, having acrobatically turned home from a Sam Murray flick-on off Amass’ right-sided corner. Shortly before the break, Wheatley watched a right-footed effort deflected fortunately into the goalkeeper’s hands. Ethan Ennis, hat-trick scorer in the side’s previous game, a 4-0 National League Cup triumph at Altrincham, couldn’t generate enough power on a late curling shot inside the area. Herrick saved with ease.