Djair Parfitt-Williams’ West Ham United Academy Director Terry Westley was disappointed with the Development Squad's performances as they slipped to a 2-0 defeat away at Everton.
In a goalless first half, Parfitt-Williams and his teammates started the stronger yet they couldn't find a way through a resolute Everton backline.
Striker Conor McAleny opened the scoring for Everton on 50 minutes as his shot from the edge of the box beat West Ham goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel. The victory was sealed just a few minutes later as Callum Connolly's shot was adjudged to have gone over the line despite replays suggesting otherwise.
Speaking after the game, Westley said, "It was a tough game, it was made even harder by the conditions. Everton are never easy to play against, especially away from home.
"They are a strong side and the conditions made it even harder. That's not an excuse as they had to deal with the same conditions but we had to be more competitive.
"The second goal was disappointing because at 1-0 you are always in it. For their second goal the linesman has said it was over the line, after looking at the DVD you can see it's not over the line.
"Putting that to one side, collectively and individually we haven't done enough tonight. You have to be competitive to make a living in this game, you have to show real commitment and desire. Those are the things that should be guaranteed every time we walk out onto the pitch. For the first time tonight I didn't feel we got that."
Despite the result there were several positives for West Ham including midfielder Josh Cullen's return to action after several months out with an ankle injury.
Another plus was new signing Doneil Henry who impressed in his first 65 minutes in a West Ham shirt. As Westley continued, "On the positives, Elliot Lee played 65 minutes. Doneil Henry played at the back for the first time for us and Josh Cullen has come back into the team."
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