West Ham United’s U21 team must take the positives from their 2-0 defeat to Bristol Rovers in the Checkatrade Trophy, according to boss Liam Manning.
The Hammers were beaten by their League One opponents thanks to goals from Watford loanee Alex Jakubiak and skipper Tom Lockyer.
But the youngsters had their chances at Memorial Stadium, almost taking the lead on a number of occasions, notably through Xande Silva after just three minutes.
Ultimately though, the Pirates battled harder until the end and left the Hammers with no points in the Group L table and work to do in their next two Checkatrade Trophy matches.
After the defeat, Manning said: “It was a similar pattern to Friday’s game against Brighton. It was a fairly even first half I think. We weren’t good enough on the ball, but in terms of coming here and challenging ourselves against a really senior team, it was all about staying in the game and we did that.
“We did well and competed, stuck at it, showed that side of it and created a few chances as well, without really controlling the game as we did on Friday.
We did well and competed, stuck at it, showed that side of it and created a few chances as well. There are several positives to take out of it
Liam Manning
“So ultimately it is disappointing and frustrating again in the way we conceded the goals.
“Fair play to them – we watched them on Saturday and it was a very similar team to the one they put out against Luton Town. They showed us an element of respect and the competition too, and we held our own. There are several positives to take out of it, and the lads need to do that.”
Checkatrade Trophy rules state Academy sides must field at least five players under the age of 21, meanwhile four of the other six over-21 players must have played fewer than 40 first team games, meaning the club’s Academy players have the perfect opportunity to showcase their talents in the competition.
And Manning believes the matches against senior Football League teams offers his players challenges they perhaps would not face in Premier League 2.
“If you look at the game on Friday, it was a lot more tactical in terms of the shape and tactical side and possession based football,” he reflected. “Whereas tonight it’s about fighting for seconds, running for your positions and one-v-ones and we didn’t win enough and that’s why we lost.
“If our players want to go on loan this year, which is common now for young players, they need to be able to do those things.
“We have the trip back now, we will rest up tomorrow and get back on the pitch and put another performance in on Saturday. That’s another challenge for the lads – if they want to play 50 games a season, they need to be able to go Saturday-Tuesday week-in, week-out.
“We have that opportunity to test them in that way now and we will continue to work on the things we’ve spoken about in the last few games.”
Xande Silva had a superb game against Brighton & Hove Albion on Friday, and the Portuguese forward – alongside two other Hammers talents – particularly impressed the coach.
“I thought Grady [Diangana] was a real threat again throughout and if you’re looking at players who would get in their team, he would do that.
“Xande showed moments too and looked a threat and Reece Oxford made some good blocks and was better. He’s played more football in the last few months than in the last few seasons, so he’s getting better.”