- West Ham United PL2 ran out 2-1 winners over West Bromwich Albion on Monday night
- The result moves the Hammers up to third in Premier League 2 Division 2
- Assistant manager Liam Manning was delighted with the performance
PL2 assistant manager Liam Manning praised his side's commitment and desire as they battled to a 2-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion at the Chigwell Construction Stadium.
The Hammers cruised to a 2-0 first half lead thanks to an own goal from Baggies defender Jack Fitzwater and a header from Ashley Fletcher.
Dara O'Shea rifled home from the edge of the box in stoppage time but it wasn't enough as the Hammers leapfrogged their opponents to third in Premier League 2 Division 2.
"We knew it was going to be a tough game tonight. They (West Brom) are doing well in the league and have some good players, but our lads really stepped up tonight," said Manning.
"It wasn't the prettiest of games but the lads were resolute, dug in and stuck together as a team all night long so I'm delighted with how the lads did tonight."
Manager Terry Westley welcomed First Team stars Jonathan Calleri and Ashley Fletcher to the starting eleven and there was also a return to PL2 action for Martin Samuelsen.
The Norwegian has been on loan at Blackburn Rovers this season, but did not feature in their match at the weekend so came into a fresh-looking Hammers PL2 line up.
Westley's men got off to the perfect start when Fletcher turned brilliantly in the penalty area and crossed, only for Fitzwater to knock the ball into his own net.
The Hammers controlled the rest of the first half and doubled their lead on the half hour mark when Fletcher headed in Calleri's inviting cross.
In the second half, West Brom tried to force the issue but came up against a brick wall of a defence in the form of Sam Westley, Alex Pike, Declan Rice and Vashon Neufville.
The home side had chances to add to their lead through Marcus Browne, who forced a great save from Albion keeper Jack Rose on the hour mark, and Calleri, who twice went close.
The visitors did score a late consolation after O'Shea's powerful drive, but it was the Hammers who moved up to third in the league table with the victory.
"There's a big emphasis on development and how the lads perform and sticking to our philosophy. But we do it because we want to win," added Manning.
"I don't think you'll find anybody who doesn't want to win, staff included. It will be nice to finish up there, so we can build on the (Premier League) Cup win last year."