Mixed Feelings For Keen

KEVIN Keen admitted to having mixed feelings about his Reserve team's 1-1 draw with Leicester City at Dagenham and Redbridge.

Hammers competed very well against their more experienced opponents and took the lead through a Luke Chadwick goal. But 10-men Leicester fought back and equalised 12 minutes from time through Stefan Moore, leaving Kevin to reflect on a solid performance that might have yielded more than just one point.

"It was a pleasing performance in many ways," said Kevin, "but on the other hand you have to be a little disappointed that we didn't get the win after they went down to 10 men late in the first-half.

"But that's five games unbeaten for us now and we've shown some encouraging form over the last few weeks. Some of the young players have really come into their own this season and they're starting to feel a lot more comfortable at this level.

"Up to when we scored I think we had enjoyed the better of the chances. We created two or three great opportunities and their goalkeeper made a couple of good saves.

"But in the last 20 minutes their extra experience and physical strength started to tell a bit and they began to look more likely to score. Overall, a draw was probably a fair result."

Kevin reserved special praise for schoolboy debutant James Tomkins, who partnered captain Chris Cohen in the centre of defence.

"James did very well on his debut," enthused Kevin. "He looked very solid against a strong Leicester front two, as did Chris Cohen who is not a natural centre-half, but played very well there again.

"Luke Chadwick also worked really hard and thoroughly deserved his goal, which was an excellent move. We spoke at half-time about how best to break down the 10 men and we put together a really incisive piece of play to open them up.

"There were mixed feelings at the end, but against a more experienced Leicester team we put in a strong performance."