Development Squad downed

A young West Ham United Development Squad side have lost 2-0 to a strong Colchester United side.

A goal in either half from Colchester striker Freddie Ladapo saw off Ian Hendon's side but the Development Squad manager was pleased with the performances of his own players, six of whom are still serving their scholarships with the Academy.

"We brought up the second-year scholars from the Youth Team who are going to be next year's first-year professionals," said Hendon. "They are out of the FA Youth Cup and we thought we would bring them up and give them a couple of months in the Development Squad."

With John Carew the only member of Wednesday's squad with any first-team experience, he and captain Ravel Morrison joined youngsters such as Callum Driver and Dominic Vose in the starting XI. Hendon was very impressed with the performances of both his skipper and Vose.

"Rav came in and he got on the ball and was lively and tricky. Dominic Vose also did extremely well, he has set his standards recently and let's hope he can carry on.

"I think Dominic is very concentrated and focused on his football and we are getting the best out of him - long may it continue."

West Ham did create some good opportunities during the match on Wednesday with Carew and Vose coming closest, only for the Norwegian to see his effort saved by goalkeeper Mark Cousins and Vose putting his effort just wide.