- New signing Ashley Fletcher delighted to get off the mark against FC Slovacko
- Former Manchester United striker doubled the lead with an excellent header
- The England under-20 international is looking forward to fighting for a spot in Slaven Bilic’s Europa League XI
Two new-boys linked up as the towering Yorkshireman converted a pinpoint cross from 16-year-old Domingos Quina to put the Irons 2-0 up just after half-time.
Despite the Czech side’s late salvo securing a draw for the opponents, Fletcher remained upbeat about his first 45 minutes in a Hammers senior side.
“It’s nice to get off the mark,” he told whufc.com. “Ultimately we are a bit disappointed not to get the win tonight, but it’s pre-season and we go again tomorrow.
“It was a great ball from Dom. I’ve always been told to go and attack the ball and luckily I got my head on the ball and put it in the goal.”
The 20-year-old, who spent the second half of last season on loan at League One side Barnsley, met the bulk of his new teammates for the first time on Sunday morning when the Hammers departed Heathrow for their second overseas training camp of the summer.
And with four training sessions under his belt in Austria, Fletcher says he has been made to feel at home since his switch from Manchester United was completed a week ago.
“I’ve loved every minute,” he beamed. “Everyone has welcomed me with open arms and I am delighted to be at West Ham.
“The senior players have helped me to settle in. We have a great group here and hopefully we’ll kick on.
“My aim has to be to break into the team. It’s a very talented team and one that is going to be competing at the top of the Premier League, so for me it will be vital to keep showing myself I can do it.”
And with two more games in quick succession before the Hammers travel to either Shakhtyor Soligorsk or NK Domzale in the Europa League, Fletcher has every opportunity to add to his goal tally.
“I am looking forward to the games now, they’re coming thick and fast. It’s good that we’re getting a run of games and getting the fitness as well.
“It’s a target for me to try and break into that [Europa League] squad. Like I say, it’s a very talented squad, and all I can do is keep trying to impress the manager and the coaching staff, and keep trying to score goals.”