West Ham United Academy Director Terry Westley said he was delighted with the Development Squad's win over rivals Millwall in the Premier League Cup on Tuesday.
The Dev Squad had goalkeeper Sam Howes to thank for the victory after they won 8-7 on penalties, with Howes putting in a great performance throughout.
The win was the Dev Squad's second consecutive victory having beaten Jong PSV last week at the Boleyn. Speaking after the game, Westley said: "Two wins on the spin will really improve the squad's confidence. The match wasn't great, it wasn't technical but there was a lot of grit, determination and character.
"To play a full 120 minutes and then penalties is pleasing. We were 1-0 down again, conceded late on, but to get back into the game and respond almost immediately was very pleasing."
While Westley was happy with the result, he stressed the side's performance could still be improved: "Our commitment to the task was impressive but we know we can still improve.
"The standard of play against PSV was high, and we want to do that week in, week out. We need to do that because it'll help bridge the gap between us and the first team. The first team have a tough game every week, and our players need to get used to that. You can't afford to have bad days."
With the match finishing 0-0 after the regulation 90 minutes of play, the game went to extra time. Millwall looked to have sealed a shock win when Fred Onyedinma opened the scoring late on. However the Dev Squad responded almost immediately through Jaanai Gordon who equalised with a powerful header a minute later.
The match finished 1-1 after 120 minutes which meant the game went to the dreaded penalty shootout. However the Hammers prevailed as every penalty was scored emphatically while goalkeeper Sam Howes saved Dylan Casey's sudden death spot kick.
"I'd like to say we've practised loads of penalties but we haven't. We picked the first five and told them to put your foot through it, then it was very much who wants to go next. The squad was low on confidence but today will help.
"We're through to last 16 of the cup, we can be proud of that."