Positive start for Stokes

Tony Stokes has made his debut for Hungarian Soproni League title-chasers Ujpest FC in a 2-1 friendly win over Kaposvar.

The West Ham United midfielder, who has joined Ujpest on loan until the end of the season, lined up in central midfield for the match at the Szusza Ferenc Stadium on Saturday and completed the full 90 minutes.

The 21-year-old, who joined Ujpest after impressing during a week-long trial with the club last month, received a generous reception from the 700 supporters who turned out to watch the fixture, which the home side won through goals from forwards Peter Kabat and Tibor Tisza.

Afterwards, Stokes told Ujpest's official website he had enjoyed the experience. "I gradually got into the game, but I think I managed to provide good performance," he said. "I think I will be able to help the team even more in the next game, because then we will know each other better. Ujpest are a strong team that could be very successful this season. I had a great time on the pitch, I heard the fans and their recognition has given me self-confidence."

Stokes will now hope to make his competitive bow in Saturday's Soproni League home fixture against relegation favourites Siofok on Saturday evening. Ujpest go into the weekend level on points with leaders Debrecen, but in second-place on goal difference.

The Budapest-based club have lost just one of the 16 league matches they have played this season. Ujpest are also involved in the Magyar Kupa and will take on MTK Hungaria in the last-16 on 17 March.

Elsewhere, West Ham's other on-loan players were in action at the weekend. Winger Kyel Reid started for Championship leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers in their 1-0 home defeat to Plymouth Argyle before being replaced after 58 minutes at Molineux. Fellow Hammer Nigel Quashie, who has also been loaned to Wolves until the end of the season, was not involved in Saturday's match.

Lee Bowyer missed out on Birmingham City's 2-1 Championship defeat at Sheffield United through suspension, while Calum Davenport was an unused substitute during Sunderland's goalless Premier League draw at Arsenal.

In League One, goalkeeper Jimmy Walker was in fine form as Colchester United earned a 1-1 draw with Hartlepool United at the Weston Homes Community Stadium. Jordan Spence played a full 90 minutes at right-back for Leyton Orient in the O's 2-1 defeat at Hereford United.

Left-back Joe Widdowson missed Grimsby Town's 2-0 League Two defeat at Rochdale with a slight thigh injury.

France international midfielder Julien Faubert was not involved as Real Madrid notched their tenth consecutive La Liga victory with a 2-0 win at Espanyol on Saturday.