West Ham United first team players Matt Jarvis both spoke of their positive experience playing with the Development Squad as they beat Sunderland U21s 2-0 on Monday night.
Two second half goals from striker Elliot Lee were enough to seal the Dev Squad's first win of the season as they look to get their league campaign up and running.
Both first team players are recovering from injuries and were played in an attempt to help them gain match fitness ahead of the first team's match with Queens Park Rangers this Sunday.
Speaking after the match, Nolan, who played the full 90 minutes said: "I'd just like to thank all the lads and coach Nick Haycock. They've been fantastic with me in the last couple of days. It was great.
"It's been five-and-a-half weeks since the fracture and I felt like I'd be out for a while. After about 50, 60 minutes I started to feel my legs wobble a bit. I'm just pleased to get fit and I thank them for helping me get fit again.
"We had a few 15 years old playing tonight so it's massive for their development too. To be able to help them out, and them help me was really nice."
Despite not notching, Sunderland had a number of chances to score, especially in the first half. and Nolan praised the way Haycock had prepared the U21s beforehand.
"We expected that. Especially me, an old man in there, they found a few more holes. If I'd have been fitter with the young whippersnappers around me we would have reduced their chances even more.
"I'm in the process of getting my sharpness back and it was nice just to be out there again. My shoulder was fine so that was another positive. We've got the game against QPR here on Sunday so hopefully I might be involved again. If not I've got a good few weeks until the next game so I can properly get fit."
Matt Jarvis helped set up Lee's first goal with a pin-point corner, played 81 minutes and was also full of praise for his U21 teammates.
He said: "It's good to get out there and get some minutes, so I'm delighted. It's good for both really, it's a good experience for the younger players to play with first team players but also for me. Obviously its good for my fitness and trying to push on."
Jarvis continued to say he hoped the U21 experience would help him regain his sharpness in time for the QPR game at home on Sunday afternoon: "I felt good on Monday. I've trained all last week and was in the squad for the Manchester United game so hopefully I'll be selected for Sunday."