Haycock happy with early-season form

West Ham United's Development Squad have had a tough start to their Barclays U21 Premier League campaign results-wise.

Despite good performances in each of their three games, Nick Haycock's men have only got one point to show for their efforts.

A cruel equaliser late on away to Manchester City prevented a deserved first win of the season following defeats by Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton. The U21s' next game is at 7pm kick-off against Liverpool on Friday 12 September at the Boleyn Ground.

Speaking after the West Ham United XI 5-1 win over an Ipswich Town XI on Thursday, Haycock said: "The scoreline wasn't the most important thing, it was the performance and what each player individually could get out of the game."

"For everybody it was about getting minutes on the pitch under their belts, and to put in a good performance at the same time."

Haycock has given his squad the weekend off to ensure the players come back refreshed and focused, ready to return to training on Monday in preparation for Friday's match.

"The boys are going to get a few days off, the group will be off Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We will be back on the training field, Monday and Tuesday preparing for the Liverpool game.

"We had a meeting about the Manchester City game and the first three games as a whole. We know we are a little unlucky in terms of the amount of points we have, but the performances are improving with a young side playing together."

When asked if there was anything specific the team needs to work on, Haycock replied: "It's pretty much more of the same of what we have been doing. We just need to be a little more clinical at the top end of the pitch, as well as keeping that defensive security.

"If we do that, we'll give a good account of ourselves against Liverpool."

Liverpool have started the season well, securing four points from their opening two games after a 1-0 away win at Sunderland, followed by a 1-1 draw at home to Manchester United.

West Ham United v Liverpool is on Friday 12 September, KO 7pm at the Boleyn Ground. Admission will be charged at £3 for Adults, £1 for Concessions and FREE for Season Ticket Holders.  

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