16-year-old defender Tunji Akinola made his West Ham United Development Squad debut in the Hammers' 3-2 defeat by Fulham at Rush Green on Monday evening.
The visitors went ahead through Thomas Eisfeld's calm finish before Paul McCallum's brace in his first game in six months turned the match around.
The Cottagers equalised on the stroke of half time through Ange-Freddy Plumain before Tiago Casasola's goal sealed the victory.
Speaking after the game, the highly rated defender said: "It was a tough game because they were a good side. I thought we did well, and we got better towards the end. It was a good experience and I think I'll learnt a lot from the game."
Having had a taste of playing at U21 level, Akinola is targeting more games in the near future.
"I'm looking forward to more U21s games soon. There's another game on the 22 December against Newcastle in the Cup so hopefully I'll be involved for that.
"I've had a good season so far. I've played seven or eight games for the U18s this season, hopefully I'll get more because I'm enjoying it."