Nathan Trott and his West Ham Untied Premier League 2 Development team defeated Newcastle United 3-1 in their second league game of the season
West Ham United Development team Manager Terry Westley said his Premier League 2 side played as well as he’s seen in their 3-1 victory over Newcastle United.
The youngsters dominated a first half at Dagenham & Redbridge’s Chigwell Construction Stadium in which they scored twice through Toni Martinez and Marcus Browne, before drawing the second period 1-1 to take the points.
And Westley, watching his squad win their second league match in as many games, couldn’t have been more complimentary about the first half performance.
“That first 45 was as good as I’ve seen us play in my two and a bit years here,” he said. “All the hours you work with the players, talking about moving, making angles and playing two-touch, we ticked all of those boxes.
“We played high pressure stuff and then tidied up and played ourselves. The first half was a masterclass. Marcus Browne was fantastic. He caused Newcastle no end of problems, and we’re talking about a very good team here.
“They’re experienced and have a lot of players who have played League football, throughout the team. That should be noted.
“Samuelsen was beating people, Grady Diangana the same, Toni Martinez was a constant threat and those four really gave us a platform where we could hurt the opposition. Then Moses and Noha, Vash first half, the strength of Declan and Tunji and then young Trott in goal, they were all superb.”
After the great first period, the Hammers eased off slightly during the second half and Newcastle got one back late on, though Martinez had already put the result beyond doubt by then.
The firm hold on the game the hosts maintained pleased Westley, though, and it showed a different side to their play.
“Second half was a different type. I said at half time, don’t think Peter Beardsley is going to allow that to happen second half. They pushed on and when they were on top of us, we played a little bit differently, but we showed different qualities.
“We were resolute and tough and didn’t want to let a goal in, which was disappointing when we did, but we showed so much.
“In the first half, we totally dominated, then we were tough and strong and saw the game through. All round, we are really pleased with that.
“To play the way we played is so pleasing. Yes, I’m pleased to win two games and part of their learning is about winning, but it’s the style and philosophy that is so pleasing. That’s a consequence of all the staff that demand that.
"There were a number of scouts here tonight - let's see if I get some calls this week!"
