A Robert Kock volley put the home side in front early on with Hasan Pepic doubling Dresden's lead just after the break and Cuneyt Koz sealing the deal two minutes from time.

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce started with a strong squad for the friendly, but their opponents looked to be the better team early on at Gluecksgas Stadion.

Dresden broke the deadlock after 20 minutes - Kock took a confident run before hitting a masterful volley into the West Ham net, leaving Jussi Jaaskelainen with no chance.

The Hammers failed to put together a response to being a goal down, with the majority of play favouring the Germans.

The home side emerged after the break in confident fashion by doubling their lead over a muted West Ham.

A combination of defensive errors and an obvious communication breakdown gifted Pepic a run on goal, leaving the net unguarded with Jaaskelainen nowhere to be seen. The striker slotted the ball into the net with ease.

West Ham replied to Dresden's second goal with a surprising amount of attacking prowess. A terrific Carlton Cole pass found the run of Matty Taylor, who whipped a cracking low cross to Ricardo vaz Te, but the striker's shot fell directly into the 'keeper's hands.

Possession soon fell back into Dresden's hands, however, with Idir Ouali turning Guy Demel at the back before forcing an important save from Jaaskelainen in the Hammers goal.

Dresden guaranteed themselves the win with just two minutes left when Koz found himself unmarked from a corner before planting a thunderous low header in at the near post.

West Ham have another friendly clash on Sunday against Energie Cottbus.