Josh Pask hopes the home support for West Ham United’s U23s can help them to victory when they face Manchester City at Dagenham and Redbridge’s Chigwell Construction Stadium on Saturday.
Terry Westley’s side have put together a good run of form in the last few games, recording wins over the likes of Sunderland and Manchester United as well as a goalless draw against Chelsea in their last Premier League 2 clash.
And the centre-back hopes that can continue when the Sky Blues are visitors to east London on Saturday.
He said: “Hopefully we get a good turnout on Saturday because the first team are away and it really helps the whole team and means a lot when the fans are in support of us.
“When there is a crowd there to cheer you on, it means a lot and it has definitely helped us at times in the last couple of seasons at Dagenham.
“We have picked up some really good results recently and hopefully that can keep going against Manchester City. The boys have been excellent so far and we are confident going into any game we play.”
The Hammers’ youngsters have struggled early on in games recently, conceding early goals to the likes of Villarreal and Manchester United but Pask, and the rest of the side, were delighted to shut out Chelsea in their 0-0 draw on Sunday.
“Early on, we have struggled recently so that was really important to us that we stood strong and kept it tight against Chelsea, not just in the first half but throughout the match.
“There has been a couple of injuries in defence recently, so it has been really good for everyone to have Dec [Rice] back in the side in defence, and really good for me for him to be alongside me.
“It’s helped solidify the back four and we were delighted to get a clean sheet against Chelsea – Dec’s former club.”
West Ham face Man City at the Dagenham on Saturday, and supporters not making the trip to watch Slaven Bilic’s first team take on Crystal Palace can support the U23s for free providing they are Season Ticket Holders.
Alternatively, adult tickets are priced at £5 and concessions are £3 at the Chigwell Construction Stadium.
Despite the tough task the north west provide, Pask is keen to reward any supporters who offer their support in east London on Saturday.
“We want to show the fans how much they mean to us,” he said. “City are a good side, but I just will go out there and do my job as best as i can.
“I believe all the boys will do the same and hopefully the outcome will result in a win, for us and the fans that are there on Saturday.”