SUPPORTERS have applauded Yeovil Town officials for reducing the prices originally fixed for the club's pre-season friendly match with the now-Premiership bound West Ham United on July 23 at Huish Park.

There was some anger among fans when the club initially said that ticket prices for the friendly would be £15.

But the club has now agreed to drop that price to £10 for adults, £5 for the over-65s and just £2 for juniors aged under 16.

A club spokesman said: "At the time of fixing the prices the football club had only arranged one home pre-season match, but have now been able to secure two further exciting home fixtures against Premiership side Portsmouth on July 16 and Championship outfit Southampton on July 26."

And the spokesman added: "Anyone who has purchased a West Ham ticket at the original price please contact the ticket office on 01935-847888 to obtain a refund and this will be given on the production of their ticket."

A spokesman for the Yeovil Town Independent Supporters Association has praised the club for deducting the prices.

"There was some unrest among fans when it was originally stated that the West Ham tickets were going to be £15," he said. "So I think it is fair play to the club for reducing the price to £10 considering we have now got other attractive friendly matches lined-up at Huish Park with Portsmouth and Southampton.

"Watching football is not a cheap hobby these days and although we realise the club has got to look at all avenues of revenue building to remain financially healthy, it is credit to them that on this occasion they appear to have taken on board the views of supporters."

The fixture with West Ham has taken on more prominence since the Hammers regained their place in the Premiership on Bank Holiday Monday with their Championship Play-Off Final victory over Preston North End at the Millennium Stadium.

The West Ham friendly was arranged as part of the transfer deal which saw midfield star Gavin Williams leave Huish Park for Upton Park just before Christmas last year. His legions of supporters at Yeovil will be hoping that Williams, who has been hit by injury since joining the Hammers, plays a part in the fixture.