"Whatever we achieved out of the game we were never going to get any great credit out of it, we just had to do the job and try and play as best we can.
"All credit to them, they haven't got the individual players that we do and in the end that little bit of quality from Sergei just turned us.
"They acquitted themselves really well and it was a big stage for them and they had a blow with the early goal - but the important thing was that we got through the game.
"There seems to be an air of disappointment about the place and I can't quite understand it with the number of games we have won.
"We are bowling along quite nicely - we can't be fluid every week and we can't be aesthetically superb but the importance this year is to win enough games and I really hope we get two positive results in the next two away games and kick on because we have started pretty well."
Alan is delighted that Bobby Zamora and Steve Lomas got through the game and he adds:
"It is an added bonus that Steve Lomas and Bobby Zamora got through it - Bobby got the goals and he was better in the second half and got to grips with it; Marlon played better in the second half as well."
Alan was also pleased with Sergei Rebrov's contribution and adds:
"Sergei did some terrific things and is beginning to show he is going to threaten that first team, and that is what we want.
"He is a top player and he showed some sublime passing; he and Luke Chadwick are in competition for that position and that is a nice battle hotting up.
"We have got some top talent here up front and we haven't kicked in as far as the 'goals for' column is concerned yet, but I think that will come."
Alan admits he feels sympathy for James Walker, playing his second game in goal for the Hammers, and explains:
"It was a bit disappointing for Jimmy because he has a fantastic attitude and we exposed him with the two goals.
"He didn't have much to do apart from the two goals so he has probably gone home disappointed but everyone who played their part has done their job."