Alex Dyer has paid tribute to the way his side battled in a difficult reserve outing against Tottenham Hotspur especially given the superior experience of the opposition.
A strong West Ham United side had won 1-0 against Arsenal in their previous Barclays Premier Reserve League South outing but were shorn of several of the first-teamers from that game in their latest derby duel. As a result, it was always going to be a tough ask to come away with another victory but it was not for the want of trying on a miserable and wet night in east London.
Although Walter Lopez and Diego Tristan started, only Kyel Reid had Premier League experience while Tottenham had the likes of Champions League winner Cesar Sanchez in goal protected by Brazilian, Portuguese and Canadian internationals in Gilberto, Ricardo Rocha and Paul Stalteri. Further forward there was a strong midfield trio of Adel Taarabt, Hossam Ghaly and Kevin-Prince Boateng.
"The lads did very well, considering they were giving away a lot in terms of experience," Dyer said. "They worked hard, especially in the first half and gave all they had. In the second half, they came out and started a little bit sloppily. Tottenham got on top, kept on playing and were passing the ball well."
Both goals came in the first 15 minutes of the second half via former Leyton Orient loanee Charlie Daniels on his return to the Matchroom Stadium pitch where he spent last season. "We were chasing it a bit and I think it was only a matter of time before they scored. When we did get on the ball, we gave it away too easily and they kept us chasing the ball again. But overall the boys did well ... it was a good test for them."
Diego Tristan was substituted at half-time after he took a kick to his foot but Dyer was impressed with what he saw in a competitive first 45 minutes, where the former Spain striker battled gamely with the 30-year-old Ricardo Rocha. "It was his first 45 minutes and he worked hard. He got a kick so we brought him off as a precaution but he has a good touch and is a good player. He brings people into the game well."
Tristan's replacement Balint Bajner, like Daniel Kearns, looked lively and went close with a header before himself feeling the force of a strong challenge. He was carried off but was back on his feet after the game. Lopez, who performed well in a new central role, finished strongly and very nearly got a consolation with three late headers. West Ham United reserves are next in action at home to Portsmouth on 25 November.