Alex Pike impressed during his first start since returning from injury
Development Squad right-back Alex Pike spoke of his delight at completing his first full game of the season since recovering from injury.
The 18-year-old had every reason to be happy with his performance as he put in an impressive display and looked to get forward at every opportunity.
Reflecting on first start of the campaign, Pike reflected: “I’m really pleased, we all worked hard and I thought we were really decent.
“It’s always hard when you come back from an injury; you definitely feel it in the second half. I’m delighted to play the full game and was pleased with my performance. I was getting a bit of cramp towards the end, but it was great to get my first start of the season.”
Pike’s return to action was one of many positives for the Dev Squad as they deservedly beat Brighton & Hove Albion U21 at the Amex on Monday 2 November.
In a dominant display, first half goals from Martin Samuelsen and Josh Cullen proved too much for the Seagulls.
Pike continued: “It was definitely one of our better performances, we moved the ball particularly well and thankfully we got what we deserved.
“Second half we came under a bit more pressure but we stood firm which was pleasing.
“The game got a bit scrappy towards the end, that happens, it’s hard to maintain a good performance over a full match, especially when you get tired. We had to defend more as the game wore on, which is more tiring then when you’re on top. But we did the job and we held on.”
After a difficult start to the season, the young Hammers have now won two out of their last three games.
Having leapfrogged Stoke City in the Barclays U21 Premier League south division table, Pike is hoping this is just the start of a winning run: “It’s massive for confidence, after a difficult start to the season, to get two wins from three games is really good, and hopefully we can push on and climb up the table.
“As for my season personally, I just want to keep playing and build on my fitness. I’d like to get a few assists and maybe chip in with a goal here and there too.”
The 18-year-old had every reason to be happy with his performance as he put in an impressive display and looked to get forward at every opportunity.
Reflecting on first start of the campaign, Pike reflected: “I’m really pleased, we all worked hard and I thought we were really decent.
“It’s always hard when you come back from an injury; you definitely feel it in the second half. I’m delighted to play the full game and was pleased with my performance. I was getting a bit of cramp towards the end, but it was great to get my first start of the season.”
Pike’s return to action was one of many positives for the Dev Squad as they deservedly beat Brighton & Hove Albion U21 at the Amex on Monday 2 November.
In a dominant display, first half goals from Martin Samuelsen and Josh Cullen proved too much for the Seagulls.
Pike continued: “It was definitely one of our better performances, we moved the ball particularly well and thankfully we got what we deserved.
“Second half we came under a bit more pressure but we stood firm which was pleasing.
“The game got a bit scrappy towards the end, that happens, it’s hard to maintain a good performance over a full match, especially when you get tired. We had to defend more as the game wore on, which is more tiring then when you’re on top. But we did the job and we held on.”
After a difficult start to the season, the young Hammers have now won two out of their last three games.
Having leapfrogged Stoke City in the Barclays U21 Premier League south division table, Pike is hoping this is just the start of a winning run: “It’s massive for confidence, after a difficult start to the season, to get two wins from three games is really good, and hopefully we can push on and climb up the table.
“As for my season personally, I just want to keep playing and build on my fitness. I’d like to get a few assists and maybe chip in with a goal here and there too.”