Words Of Praise For David

YOUNG midfielder David Cowley revealed how he received some words of encouragment from Hammers boss Alan Pardew after the Reserves held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw.

The second year Academy scholar, who turns 18 next month, produced a fine display in the heart of the West Ham United midfield alongside Tony Stokes, who is a recent graduate to Alan Pardew's first-team squad.

And David was delighted to hear the praise from the West Ham United manager.

He said: "Mr Pardew said afterwards that I had a good game and that obviously gave me a boost.

"I felt that the whole team put in a good performance and I was really happy with the way I played. I felt that I played to my strengths and struck up a good partnership with Stokesy in midfield.

"A draw against Chelsea is a good result and we were all really pleased. We could have even gone on to win the game, because we had the chances and were 1-0 up, but a draw was still a strong result and it was a good team performance.

"It's been a good start to the season for me so far and my confidence has never been better. Both the Youths and Reserves are playing really well and I'm enjoying being involved at both levels.

"Obviously with the first-team going so well in the Premiership as well there is a real buzz around the place at the moment and it's a great place to be."

David is likely to be on duty for the Under-18s as they look to get back to winning ways at home to Norwich on Saturday.

"It was disappointing for the lads who played up at Ipswich," he added, "but we want to pick ourselves up again and get another unbeaten run going. Maybe we can even go a bit longer than the seven games we did previously to the Ipwsich match.

"Up until last Saturday we have been going superbly at Under-18 level this season and it's important that we bounce back with a good performance this weekend."