West Ham United U23 boss Terry Westley praised his side’s ability to show their different qualities on Saturday as the Hammers picked up an impressive 1-0 win at league leaders Liverpool.
Josh Pask’s third minute goal was enough to see the visitors take all three points home from Merseyside in Premier League 2 Division 1, although as the Reds pressed in the second half Westley’s team were forced to battle hard to earn the win.
The boss praised his back four in particular, as the Hammers showed their grit and determination to pick up their first victory in five.
Westley said: “The back four; Ben Johnson, Josh Pask who scored, Tunji Akinola and Vashon Neufville, and add the keeper Nathan Trott, were very, very good today.
“But the wole team showed that determination throughout the whole game. We saw the game right the way through against a very good Liverpool team.
“You always get different qualities in a game; good attacking play, solid defending. Today was all about us being gritty, being so determined and seeing the game through. And we did that.
The wole team showed that determination throughout the whole game. It was all about us being gritty and seeing the game through, and we did that
Terry Westley
“We made some great tackles, we stopped opportunities, and going the other way, we made our own opportunities and could have stretched the game further. It was an all round good performance and it’s great to come away with the win.”
Elsewhere on the pitch, captain Marcus Browne – who bagged his first goal of the season last week in Monday’s London derby against Tottenham Hotspur – impressed, while there was also a debut for 15-year-old Dan Chesters as a late substitute.
Westley was pleased with the performances of one or two more, and admitted his side are have probably now secured their fate ahead of next season.
“Marcus Browne, the captain, really stood out again today, he showed character and really drove the team forward at times. Then there was also young Grady [Diangana] who was playing out of position but he showed all the different qualities he needs when he goes into the senior group.
“It turned out to be a really good day for us. We’ve let in goals within the first three minutes in about five games this season, and when you do that, you’re always on the back foot.
“We made a real point of definitely being ready today and travelling up and preparing well and that we didn’t let the game slip away in the early stages.
“It would take a lot for other teams to catch us now, so we’ve probably secured ourselves for next season and now we’re back in the top six and that’s the mark we’ve always looked for. We’ll take that all day and we’ll travel home very pleased with our work.”