Fletcher hails important PL2 win

fletcher

 

  • Ashley Fletcher was on the scoresheet as West Ham United PL2 beat West Bromwich Albion 2-1 on Monday evening
  • The Hammers are now up to third in Premier League 2 Division 2 after their second win in a row.
  • Fletcher afterwards said he was very happy to get 90 minutes under his belt

Ashley Fletcher hailed the importance of West Ham United PL2's victory over West Bromwich Albion, as it saw the Hammers go above their opponents in the league standings.

Fletcher was on the scoresheet as a new-look PL2 line-up cruised to a 2-0 lead inside half an hour.

The Hammers No9 for the evening created the first and headed in the second before West Brom's Dara O'Shea scored a consolation goal from long range to make the final score 2-1.

The 21-year-old was an unused substitute for Slaven Bilic in Saturday's defeat to Everton but was pleased to 90 minutes on Monday evening. 

"I've been involved with the First Team and I'm really enjoying myself but obviously I want to be playing games as well," said Fletcher. 

"I came tonight to get 90 minutes in my legs and hopefully when my chance does come in the First Team I can be ready and take it." 

PL2 boss Terry Westley made three changes from the side which battled to a 1-0 win at Middlesbrough last Friday. Martin Samuelsen, who's currently on loan at Blackburn Rovers, Jonathan Calleri and Fletcher all came into the starting eleven.

The Hammers took a fortituitous lead on seven minutes but it was earned after brilliant play by Fletcher. He swivelled in the area and crossed low and hard, only for Baggies defender Jack Fitzwater to fire into his own net.

Fletcher was again amongst the action for the second goal of the game 25 minutes later - Calleri whipped in a teasing cross after being played in by Domingos Quina and the Hammers striker planted his header into the top corner. 

Albion did score a late consolation after Dara O'Shea rifled home from the edge of the box but the Hammers held on to what was a vital three points in their quest for promotion from Premier League 2 Division 2. 

They're now third, having leapfrogged their opponents with victory, and Fletcher knew just how important the win was.

"It was important to beat West Brom tonight because we knew they were above us in the league. For us to overtake them, it's massive and I'm glad I could get on the scoresheet to help the team," Fletcher added.

"The standard is so high here (in Premier League 2). We've got really good players so for me to come and play with the lads, get 90 minutes and score is very pleasing."