Westley was delighted to secure the young Hammers first win of the season
Academy manager Terry Westley praised the team spirit within the U21s as they recorded their first win of the season in emphatic style with a 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers U21.
Enner Valencia opened the scoring in the first half with a neatly taken poked finish before second half goals from Manny Onariase, Marcus Browne and Martin Samuelsen completed the rout.
Speaking after the game, Westley reflected: “It’s good to get that monkey off our backs for sure. Seven games without a win would have been very tough.
“We had a strong team with the two boys from the first team in the first half. Credit to them with the way they played the game, they took it seriously and properly committed to it. Enner scored a great goal to give us the lead.”
As planned, Valencia and Pedro Obiang played the first 45 minutes before being replaced by youngster Marcus Browne and George Dobson, both of whom Westley signed out for praise: “It was a real team effort, and that includes the two subs George Dobson and Marcus Browne who did well off the bench.
“They came on at 1-0 and it finished 4-0 so credit to them. It was nice for Marcus to get his first goal for the U21s, he’s been through a tough time recently and so it was extra special. Not just his goal but he was really driving at the defence when he picked it up. He’s a very talented boy, and if he applied himself every week, he’s got a real chance.”
Up next for the young Hammers is another home tie – against Fulham on Monday 26 September – at the Boleyn Ground, kick off 7pm.
Looking ahead to the fixture with the Cottagers, Westley said: “We’re always setting staff and players new challenges whatever the circumstances but now we’re trying to win two games in a row. We play Fulham next week at home and hopefully we’ll perform like we did today.
“We want to get wins and kick on with the season but also play good football at the same time. That’s the ultimate challenge, there’s a bigger picture and that’s what were committed too. These players need to fight their way into a top six Premier League, it’s a hard task but that’s what we’re striving for.
“Giving each player good habits it where it all starts, and that’s what it’s about.”
Enner Valencia opened the scoring in the first half with a neatly taken poked finish before second half goals from Manny Onariase, Marcus Browne and Martin Samuelsen completed the rout.
Speaking after the game, Westley reflected: “It’s good to get that monkey off our backs for sure. Seven games without a win would have been very tough.
“We had a strong team with the two boys from the first team in the first half. Credit to them with the way they played the game, they took it seriously and properly committed to it. Enner scored a great goal to give us the lead.”
As planned, Valencia and Pedro Obiang played the first 45 minutes before being replaced by youngster Marcus Browne and George Dobson, both of whom Westley signed out for praise: “It was a real team effort, and that includes the two subs George Dobson and Marcus Browne who did well off the bench.
“They came on at 1-0 and it finished 4-0 so credit to them. It was nice for Marcus to get his first goal for the U21s, he’s been through a tough time recently and so it was extra special. Not just his goal but he was really driving at the defence when he picked it up. He’s a very talented boy, and if he applied himself every week, he’s got a real chance.”
Up next for the young Hammers is another home tie – against Fulham on Monday 26 September – at the Boleyn Ground, kick off 7pm.
Looking ahead to the fixture with the Cottagers, Westley said: “We’re always setting staff and players new challenges whatever the circumstances but now we’re trying to win two games in a row. We play Fulham next week at home and hopefully we’ll perform like we did today.
“We want to get wins and kick on with the season but also play good football at the same time. That’s the ultimate challenge, there’s a bigger picture and that’s what were committed too. These players need to fight their way into a top six Premier League, it’s a hard task but that’s what we’re striving for.
“Giving each player good habits it where it all starts, and that’s what it’s about.”