Pelly primed for Canaries clash

Pelly Ruddock is looking forward to facing Norwich City at Rush Green on Friday night and is confident the Development Squad can record another win.

The young defender was on the scoresheet as Nick Haycock's side demolished Ipswich Town 5-0 in a one-sided friendly in their last outing.

Now gearing up for a return to competitive action, the squad know a win over the Canaries will take them to the top of the Barclays Under-21 Premier League where they currently sit third, two points off league leaders Sunderland.

Ruddock is looking forward to what he expects will be a competitive encounter.

He told West Ham TV: "It should be a good game against Norwich and hopefully we can get the win.

"A couple of their young lads have been around the first team as well so it should be a tough match.

"Anything can happen in our league as there are so many good teams so we have to work hard to ensure we can maintain the form we've showed so far."

That form has seen the squad record four wins from their opening six league games, including a 1-0 win against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium last time out.

The team carried their fine form into the friendly with Ipswich and Ruddock felt it was important to continue their momentum.

"It was a good performance and important to get the win which carries on our good run.

"We should have scored more but we're happy with the five and it was just important to continue our good form even though it was only a friendly.

"We wanted to keep passing the ball as we have been doing and creating chances for the strikers and that's what we did."

Elliot Lee bagged four of the five goals against the Tractor Boys and the team will be looking to their talisman once more against Norwich.

Ruddock himself got the fifth, capping off a week which saw him included in the first team squad that defeated Cardiff in the Capital One Cup.

The imposing defender was happy that Sam Allardyce included him amongst the substitutes for the match whilst also praising defensive partner Leo Chambers after he impressed against the Bluebirds.

He said: "It gives me great confidence when I'm involved with the first team - it shows the manager is seeing something in me and that's pleasing.

"I can only continue putting in good performances at this level and then see where it takes me.

"Elliot and Leo have got their chance particularly Leo and that gives us hope that more of us can push on through to the first team.

"Leo played really well at right-back. He started to get cramp towards the end but I'm really happy for him, he played well."

Ruddock also admitted his relief that the Hammers had seen off Cardiff after their comeback.

"It was good to be involved with the game and obviously we were 2-0 up and it went to 2-2 but we managed to get through and we're in the next round of the cup which is all that matters."

Admission to Friday's match at Rush Green, which kicks-off a7 7pm is FREE for Season Ticket Holders. Tickets are also available on the gate at £3 adults and £1 Under-16s.