Keen To Entertain

KEVIN Keen was pleased to see his Reserve team stretch their unbeaten run to four games with a 1-1 draw at Chelsea, but did admit that his side could have won the game.

Hammers took the lead early in the second-half through young striker Jack Jeffery, but Chelsea hit-back from the penalty spot two minutes later to ensure honours stayed even in the London derby.

It was a lively clash at Aldershot, one which Kevin certainly enjoyed.

"The game was very entertaining," he said, "and I was very pleased with some of our attacking play.

"Our two strikers were magnificent and I was very pleased for Jack Jeffery to score his first goal at Reserve level. He's a good player with a really good work ethic and he's adapting well to playing at this level.

"But we have to protect him as well because there is lots for him to learn and plenty of hard work ahead.

"We also defended really well. We had an experienced defence out, and the likes of Jemel Henry, Elliott Ward and Chris Cohen did well. Clive Clarke is also an excellent player. He's built up his fitness after a couple of injuries and when the first-team need to call on him I think he'll do a very good job.

"David Bellion is also getting fitter with every game he plays and everyone came through the game okay."

Chelsea levelled through a 51st minute penalty, but Kevin admitted that he had no complaints about the decision, explaining instead how he had warned his players after the game about the dangers of conceding so soon after going ahead.

"Jemel Henry was just caught the wrong side and although I do think their player was looking for it a bit I have no complaints about the penalty," he said.

"The time immediately after you score is always very important and it was disappointing to let them back into it straight away.

"I told the players after the game that you have to be really diligent just after you've gone ahead because you are always vulnerable to the opposition coming back at you.

"Overall it was a good result and the draw was probably fair. We did have some good opportunities and I was a little disappointed that we didn't come away with a win given the way we played.

"But the point has kept this little run going, we've only lost twice this season and there is lots to be positive about in our performance."