Hendon hails defender Diop

Ian Hendon conceded that his development squad had missed enough chances to win Monday's 2-2 draw at Tottenham Hotspur at a canter.

Frederic Piquionne netted both goals for West Ham United, but also missed at least three gilt-edged opportunities, while Freddie Sears was spurned a clear-cut chance for the Hammers.

Hendon was content with the way his players - including new boys Guy Demel, Papa Bouba Diop and Brian Montenegro and trialists Juca and David Carney - adapted to difficult windy conditions at Spurs Lodge, but was slightly disappointed that they could not record a victory.

"That was most definitely a game we should have won," he said. "We had the majority of the play, I'd have said, after a slow start where we've gone a goal down.

"We created a lot of chances and, on another day, could have had six or seven. It wasn't down to them keeping us out, but rather down to poor finishing in the end. We should have won the game."

On the plus side, the development squad bounced back positively following their 4-1 defeat at Queens Park Rangers on 7 September.

"I don't want to suffer any defeats because I hate losing. That's me as a person and I want to try to get that through to the players. They shouldn't be thinking about getting beaten because not that's what they're paid to do as footballers.

"It's a happier place when everyone is winning. We deserved to win the game and had our finishing been a bit better, we would have done."

Aside from goalscorer Piquionne, Hendon was happy with the committed approach shown by his experienced players, including Diop, Faye and John Carew.

At the other end of the age-scale, Academy youngsters Elliot Lee and Blair Turgott both impressed during second-half cameos, while Montenegro also worked the goalkeeper with a low shot shortly after joining the action as a substitute.

"I think Freddie could have had five or six goals. He had a header where he made a good connection and it went wide and a couple of one-on-ones and scored two as well.

"I thought Papa did well in an unusual position at centre-back alongside Abdy Faye. He got through the game and looked quite composed, so I was impressed with him.

"It was a tough game on a windy day and that made it difficult at times to play good football. Overall, it was a good workout and the lads have had 90 minutes."