Former Hammers reserve team full-back, Joe Keith, emerged as a shock FA Cup hero last night, when he scored both goals for Colchester United in their heated 2-1 third round victory over Accrington Stanley.

Keith, who was in West Ham's reserve side at the age of 16 but never made the first team grade, joined the U's in 1999.

Despite being named Players' Player of the Year at the Essex club in 2002-03, when he was also the club's joint top scorer with nine goals, Keith has struggled to win a place in the Colchester line-up this season, starting only four league games.

But injuries to several players recently paved the way for a recall . . . on the left wing.

And Joe, now 24, certainly seized his chance against Conference opponents at Layer Road last night. He popped up at the far post to volley United into the lead with his right foot.

Then he put them two up with a fine left-footed strike into the top corner of the net to clinch a fourth round trip to Coventry City.

Of course, Hammers will now meet our old mate, Paul Ince, in the fourth round after Wolves beat Kidderminster in their third round replay last night.