Luke's Must-win Mentality

LUKE CHADWICK insists it was good to get through 90 minutes in the Reserves 1-1 draw against Leicester, having struggled with a persistent back injury over the past week.

Chaddie was on target for Kevin Keen's men, netting the second-half goal that earned the Reserves a point. But the 24-year-old's main goal is to get back into first-team contention as soon as possible.

"It was really positive to get a full 90 minutes under my belt," said the former Manchester United trainee. "I haven't had a game for a couple of weeks so I was pleased to get out there again.

"The tempo was quick throughout the game and it good for me to build up my fitness again. I've had a bit of a back I injury, but it feels good again now and I just want to start pushing for a place back in the first-team."

However, Luke admits that regaining his place in Alan Pardew's starting line-up will be tough after the team claimed six points out of six in his absence.
"We achieved two great results in the North West and I was delighted for the lads," he admitted. "It's a team game and just because you're not playing yourself doesn't mean you can't be pleased for the others who do well.

"I think it did us some good to stay together in Manchester for a few days. After the Easter break it helped to have the squad together and it's good for bonding at a time of the season when we all need to be pulling in the same direction.

"Those two wins have really lifted the squad's spirits. Confidence is high again going into another important game at home to Coventry this weekend. To be honest, pretty much every game we play from now until the end of the season is going to be crucial.

"It's really just a case of approaching each won positively and making sure we go out and get the three points."

Wednesday's Reserve game was Luke's second outing in succession for Kevin Keen's team, and the winger admits he's been impressed with the quality of football played by the young second-string.

"There are some excellent young players in the Reserve team," agreed Luke. "They play some good football at times, against opponents who often have more experience than them.

"The other night at Dagenham was tough because they had played a game their the previous night and the pitch wasn't in great condition.

"But I still think we put together some good moves, especially for the goal we scored, which involved some great build up play down the left.

"I was pleased to come through the game without any problems. Now I just want to work as hard as I can to get back in the side and hopefully help West Ham secure their place in the Play-offs.

"There's still plenty left for us to do and we need a good result against Coventry to keep the positive momentum going."