Armstrong Okoflex admitted there was a sense of frustration at the missed opportunity to get three points after Monday’s 3-3 draw away to Crystal Palace U21s.
West Ham United U21s had stormed into a 3-1 lead away to the Eagles in Premier League 2, thanks to first half goals from Kamarai Swyer and Luizao, before Okoflex himself added the third early in the second.
Palace had also been reduced to ten men after a red card for Kofi Balmer but were able to build on Ademola Ola-Adebomi’s first-half finish, with Wictor Akinwale and Jack Wells-Morrison both scoring in the second half to secure a share of the points.
Okoflex knew the only people at fault for the loss of such a commanding advantage were the team themselves and has pointed to lessons that need to be learned by himself and the squad.
“It’s very frustrating,” the forward told whufc.com. “Every time we play, our goal is always to come and get three points. We know Palace are a good team but that’s how we set up and it got us to 3-1 up.
“We should have been comfortable but then some complacency snuck in. We didn’t manage the game properly and that’s really frustrating for us, because it’s something that we know how to do. We shouldn’t let that happen. We have to take the point but we should be leaving with three, so we’re annoyed with ourselves.
“Palace had ten men for a lot of the game and we were 3-1 up so, there’s no two ways about it, we should be winning this. We are livid we let that lead slip here.
“Every game is a learning curve. It’s about knowing how to manage momentum in a game. Whether it’s slowing the game down, use the extra man to our advantage better or win fouls, we need to not be naïve with the ball.”
For the 21-year-old, Monday’s match marked a first start at Premier League 2 level since returning from loan with Swansea City, and Okoflex was delighted to return to the starting XI after a return to fitness.
A first goal of the season for the U21s was a positive sign that the versatile attacker is returning to his best.
“It’s been a tough road for me at times since coming back,” he continued. “I’ve been working on my fitness and dealing with some injuries, but it was a step in the right direction for me personally against Palace.
“I just want to keep pushing on now as we get towards the end of the season and see what I can achieve.”
The U21s now face a quick shift as they prepare for another trip in Premier League 2, as they prepare to visit Liverpool at the weekend.
Okoflex is grateful for the opportunity to rectify the mistakes from Monday’s game, as the Irons look to secure their spot in Premier League 2 Division 1 for next season.
“The positive for us is it’s a quick turnaround. We play Liverpool away on Saturday and we have an almost immediate chance to make it right.
“We’re looking forward to that game already. We want to show we can learn from our mistakes and go and get the three points.”
