- The Dev Squad took on a strong VVV-Venlo first team in Holland and were beaten 6-1
- The Dutch side begin their league campaign next week
- Though a disappointing result, the squad have enjoyed a positive week-long trip to the Netherlands
The Hammers equalised early in the second half through Toni Martinez after they had fallen behind inside ten minutes, but the remaining action in the second period was dominated by the hosts.
Substitutions were made and as the game lost its flow, Venlo capitalised on some lapses in concentration to comfortably see out the game.
In a tight first half, it was the hosts who drew blood first, though the Hammers had come close through Marcus Browne.
A long through ball from the back was collected in the right channel, and a pinpoint cross allowed Torino Hunte to tap in.
And Nathan Trott was to thank midway through the first period as he flung down to his right to superbly deny what looked a certain goal from a six-yard header.
In the second half, Browne was again involved in the Irons’ good play as he drew a foul 20 yards from goal. Toni Martinez – who had just joined the squad for the clash – took responsibility and fired low into the bottom left corner to level the scores.
But soon, the Eerste Divisie team took control and put themselves beyond reach of Terry Westley’s young side – which contained a number of 15 and 16-year-olds.
Nathan Trott made good saves in the build up to Venlo’s second and third goals but could not deny the rebounds which were put away.
Vito van Crooij pounced to grab Venlo’s second, while Tim Receveur was there to find the back of the net soon after.
With half an hour remaining, Venlo scored with the model counter attacking goal. Snatching the ball back from West Ham – who were themselves looking to get back in the game – the Dutch side attacked fast and van Crooij was there to finish an excellent move.
Receveur slid in at the back post to fire past Trott for the fifth, before Hunte got himself on the scoresheet again, nodding over the line after Venlo had previously struck the crossbar.
The two simple finishes completed the scoring at the Seacon Stadion – De Koel to hand Venlo the victory against their partner club.
VVV-Venlo Squad: Maarten de Fockert, Moreno Rutten, Jerold Promes, Roel Janssen, Danny Post, Vito van Crooij, Clint Leemans, Ralf Seuntjens, Johnatan Opoku, Nils Roseler, Torino Hunte, Delano van Crooij, Leandro Resida, Tim Receveur, Tristan Dekker, Roy Oomen, Lugman Bezzat, Roy Gielen
Dev Squad: Nathan Trott (Sam Howes 65), Sam Westley (Matt Carter 52), Josh Pask, Tunji Akinola, Mason Barrett (Kristjian Belic 70), Diego Poyet (Janaai Gordon 65), Moses Makasi (Noha Sylvestre 52), Dan Kemp (Jahmal Hector-Ingram 46), Marcus Browne (Conor Coventry 80), Grady Diangana (Joe Powell 61), Toni Martinez (Alfie Lewis 71)