West Ham United's development squad ran out 3-1 winners at Ebbsfleet on Friday night thanks to a Robert Hall double and a strike by Olly Lee.
England U18 forward Hall got the Hammers off to a good start in Kent when he got in behind the Ebbsfleet back four just before the half-hour mark and converted with a sweet shot. He followed up with a similarly well-taken second, curling a left-footed effort into the top corner 20 minutes from time.
After Ebbsfleet, who featured former Hammers youngster Danny Subuola among their ranks, pulled one back, Lee continued his own fine summer's work with the third, after playing a one-two with younger brother Elliott, a second-half replacement.
Development coach Ian Hendon was naturally delighted with the positive result and performance. "It was a good game and I was really pleased with the boys tonight," he said.
"I wanted a reaction and improvement after a disappointing match on Saturday [against Weymouth Town]. They all gave me that and that was what is most pleasing.
"We played some really good stuff and scored three good goals. You are always disappointed to let a goal in especially if you are playing well, but that doesn't take away the way the boys really dug in and competed in this game.
"You have to remember how young this team are and tonight we played an Ebbsfleet side who were big and strong so it was doubly pleasing how we applied ourselves and competed. I was delighted with the boys."
* Eoin Wearen was part of the Republic of Ireland side eliminated from the semi-finals of the 2011 UEFA European U19 Championship on Friday night after a 5-0 defeat by Spain.
West Ham United: Stech, Potts, Driver, Sanchez, McNaughton, Moncur, O Lee, Abdulla, Lletget, Hall, Hines