Academy manager Terry Westley was pleased with his side's performance in the U21s' 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa
Academy manager Terry Westley praised his Development Squad’s passion and desire despite defeat to Aston Villa on Monday night.
The young Hammers twice equalised in the game but were dealt the cruel, late blow when the hosts struck in the 88th minute to win 3-2.
But Westley was proud of the spirit the Hammers showed to fight their way back into the match on two occasions.
He said: “We’re gutted but proud in many ways. The way the players in the second half of the season have really responded and the run of games we had undefeated [is great].
“Tonight we needed a win so we had to keep pushing and it just shows the incredible passion and desire these players have to keep coming back.
“We took it right to the very end. We had chances right until the final whistle. We were totally committed.”
The conditions were difficult for the U21s, as the rain continued to come down in stair-rods during the first half.
“I think the conditions affected our game,” Westley continued. “We really passed the ball and there were patches first half when we dominated and tried to get it down.
“There was one stage when I thought it was going to be called off. The ball started to get stuck in the water but thankfully towards the second half it started to ease.
“But it was full-blooded, heart on your sleeve stuff. We scored two, should have defended better, but unfortunately we’ll miss out on the top five.”
The youngsters now have the final of the Premier League Cup, in which they face Hull City at both the Boleyn Ground and the KC Stadium, to focus on.
“The players have a great Cup final to look forward to now at the last season at the Boleyn.
“These players don’t want to be disappointed like they are now. In many ways, this can act as a catalyst for us to go on and make sure that we win the Cup.”
The young Hammers twice equalised in the game but were dealt the cruel, late blow when the hosts struck in the 88th minute to win 3-2.
But Westley was proud of the spirit the Hammers showed to fight their way back into the match on two occasions.
He said: “We’re gutted but proud in many ways. The way the players in the second half of the season have really responded and the run of games we had undefeated [is great].
“Tonight we needed a win so we had to keep pushing and it just shows the incredible passion and desire these players have to keep coming back.
“We took it right to the very end. We had chances right until the final whistle. We were totally committed.”
The conditions were difficult for the U21s, as the rain continued to come down in stair-rods during the first half.
“I think the conditions affected our game,” Westley continued. “We really passed the ball and there were patches first half when we dominated and tried to get it down.
“There was one stage when I thought it was going to be called off. The ball started to get stuck in the water but thankfully towards the second half it started to ease.
“But it was full-blooded, heart on your sleeve stuff. We scored two, should have defended better, but unfortunately we’ll miss out on the top five.”
The youngsters now have the final of the Premier League Cup, in which they face Hull City at both the Boleyn Ground and the KC Stadium, to focus on.
“The players have a great Cup final to look forward to now at the last season at the Boleyn.
“These players don’t want to be disappointed like they are now. In many ways, this can act as a catalyst for us to go on and make sure that we win the Cup.”