A number of small lapses in concentration was what ultimately cost West Ham United’s U23s in Friday’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, according to defender Mason Barrett.
The Hammers played terrifically for a large majority of the Premier League 2 clash at the Amex Stadium but conceded twice in the final 15 minutes meaning they travelled back to the capital empty handed.
Grady Diangana had given the visitors a 20th minute lead with a superb strike inside the box, but Viktor Gyokeres and Aaron Connolly turned the game on its head with their second half goals.
And Barrett admitted his team made a number of frustrating errors in the lead up to the goals which meant Albion were able to capitalise.
He said: “We are all gutted. We played so well in the first half, we did well as a team and you can’t let that happen as it did. They were silly mistakes by us, and games are 90 minutes, not 70 and we have to learn to see the game out when we’re in that situation.
“I think that we should have been more ruthless up top if we’re being critical. We had plenty of chances in the first half and we should have had the match won by half time I think.
“Joseph [Anang, in goal] didn’t have much to do, especially in the first half and there were just a few small lapses of concentration that cost us.
“It wasn’t one or two big mistakes, they were just silly, little ones leading up to it and it teaches you that you can’t let that happen.”
West Ham went into Friday’s game on the back of a 2-1 win at Liverpool prior to the international break, a game which saw Barrett drafted into the starting XI late on due to a Josh Pask warm-up injury.
And the full-back – who has been utilised on the left of the Hammers’ four man defence – took his chance to stay in the team, something he is hoping to continue to do as the team’s schedule ramps up with four games in eleven days.
“Obviously I came into the team against Liverpool when Pasky got his injury, so obviously I want to take my chance and stay in the side,” he explained.
“I have to relish the opportunity; keep training well, keep working hard and if I can do that then I will hopefully continue to get my chances in the team.
“I have been finding it OK being on the left. I’m obviously right-footed and I’m used to play on that side of the pitch, but obviously it’s taken some time to adapt but I feel like I am coping with it well now.”