Konstantinos Mavropanos equalizes for the Hammers after Harry Cardwell's penalty goal
Category: Local News
In a closely contested pre-season friendly match at Roots Hall on July 18, 2026, West Ham United faced off against Southend United, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Konstantinos Mavropanos scored the equalizer for West Ham just before halftime, canceling out Harry Cardwell's penalty goal for Southend earlier in the match.
The game kicked off with Southend United taking the initiative. In the 15th minute, they were awarded a penalty after West Ham's Kyle Walker-Peters fouled Josh Popoola inside the box. Cardwell stepped up to take the spot-kick, delivering a low shot straight down the middle to give Southend a 1-0 lead.
West Ham, fielding a strong lineup including Jarrod Bowen and Taty Castellanos, quickly responded. They were denied an equalizer when Castellanos' powerful shot was blocked by Southend defender Ben Goodliffe, and soon after, a long-range effort from Kleiber Lamadrid struck the post. The Hammers' persistence paid off just before halftime when Mavropanos rose to meet a corner delivered by Bowen, heading it firmly past Southend goalkeeper Joe Duncan to level the score at 1-1.
The second half began with West Ham looking to build on their momentum. Five minutes after the restart, Bowen attempted a shot from 20 yards, but Duncan was again up to the task, parrying the ball away. Southend responded with a free-kick opportunity, but Darren Oldaker's effort curled just wide of the target.
As the match progressed, both teams made numerous substitutions to rotate their squads. Southend's manager Kieron Dyer and West Ham's Nuno Espírito Santo utilized the opportunity to assess their players ahead of the new season. The game saw fewer clear chances as both sides settled into a rhythm, and neither could find a breakthrough in the final minutes.
Referee Ayrton Hursey officiated the match, which attracted an attendance of 10,462, with approximately 2,753 West Ham supporters making the trip to Roots Hall. The draw was viewed as a positive result for Southend, who held their own against a Championship side.
Following this match, West Ham United will continue their pre-season preparations with a fixture against Stevenage on July 22, 2026, at the Lamex Stadium, kicking off at 7:45 PM. Meanwhile, Southend United will host Northampton Town on the same evening, also starting at 7:45 PM.
Both teams will be looking to build on their performances as they gear up for the upcoming season, with West Ham aiming for a strong showing in the Championship and Southend looking to make an impact in their respective league.
The pre-season clash showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, highlighting the importance of match fitness and team cohesion as they prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in the new season.