Lee - 'There's no better feeling'

The Estadi Comunal d'Andorra la Vella is a venue that Elliot Lee will never forget.

The 1,300-seater stadium might be among the more humble in Europe, but its picturesque setting in the Pyrenees mountains will be forever etched on Lee's mind after he scored his first senior goal for West Ham United there on Thursday night.

The 20-year-old's first half strike helped his team overcome Diafra Sakho's dismissal and complete a 4-0 aggregate success over a stubborn FC Lusitans.

"I didn't care where my first goal came!" Lee beamed. "I've worked my socks off and I've been at this Club since I was eight years old, so to score on my full debut is a fantastic feeling and I'm really happy with it.

"I ran off Jarvo and I love being in that position on the left hand side of the box. I opened my body up and thankfully I got it right this time - it's gone in the bottom corner and I've gone off celebrating with all the lads. There's no better feeling than that.

"I've been waiting for a night like this for a while. I've had ups and downs at this Club and have had to be patient, as I know footballers have to be.

"I've never given up and I know I've not made it or anything now, but hopefully I've put myself in the Gaffer's eyeline and can build on this performance."

Lee ploughed a lone furrow for a long 76 minutes following Diafra Sakho's early red card and he was glad that the hard work of all the team was rewarded with victory.

He added: "After Diafra was sent off we knew it was going to be a tough task, but we knew we were fully capable of doing it. I was happy to take the pressure off the lads by scoring the goal - that's what I'm here for and I'm really pleased for the boys that we're through to the next round.

"I saw their players trying to get into young Reece Oxford and I just told him to keep his head and he listened really well. We kept our cool and have come away with a clean sheet and a 1-0 win."

Lee concluded by paying tribute to the 500 Hammers fans who travelled over land and sea to follow their team in Andorra.

He said: "I don't know if the fans realise how much help they were to the lads today. It's a massive credit to them coming out this far. It's a two hour flight, then a three or four hour bus journey so massive credit to all the fans and I'm really happy we could get the win for them."

Buy your ticket for the second qualifying round first leg against Birkirkara - on sale to Season Ticket Holders now at just £10 adults and £5 concessions. Buy here.