Development Squad coach Nick Haycock saw a West Ham United XI narrowly lose 2-1 to high flying Norwich City.
The visitors took the lead through first-half goals from Gary Hooper and Elliott Bennett before Mauro Zarate's powerful strike halved the deficit.
The friendly gave first team players such as Kevin Nolan, Carlton Cole and Jussi Jaaskelainen some much needed game time as they try and regain match fitness.
Speaking after the game, Haycock said: "It was another great experience for them [the young players] to play at the Boleyn Ground. The boys did some good things, and they'll learn a lot from today's game.
"These games are put on as a good learning curve for them. I thought as the game wore on we were going to get an equaliser, especially in the last 15 minutes. We changed the system at half time and I think we were unlucky not to get a better result."
The Hammers fielded a youthful team that included the likes of Reece Oxford, Kyle Knoyle and Moses Makasi.
Haycock continued to say: "I think the back three did very well, they haven't played together as a three before. With Reece, it's easy to forget he's only 15 years of age.
"I thought both full backs did a good job as well. We said at half time that we need to get the ball up the pitch quicker."