Mark Robson was thrilled to see West Ham United U23s conclude the 2021/22 Premier League 2 campaign with a 5-0 win over Derby County.
The young Hammers put the Rams down with a free-flowing attacking performance at London Stadium, with Sonny Perkins netting from the penalty spot after just two minutes before Thierry Nevers and Andriy Yarmolenko both struck to put the home side 3-0 up at half-time.
Perkins added a well-taken second before Divin Mubama scored his first goal at U23s level to wrap up the victory.
“I thought there was some really good play at times,” Robson told West Ham TV. “It was nice to finish the season off with a win and cement that second place. That puts us clear of the teams below us and a bit closer to Manchester City. All in all, I’m delighted with the result and some of the performance was really good. Some of the moves were excellent in this game.
“It was a great start for us. It was a nice flowing move which got us in the penalty box, for the penalty, and then the other two goals were great moves as well. We were threatening and we threatened in the second half too. Going in three goals up at half-time was great.
“I said to the boys that they just needed to concentrate on doing the simple things and not over complicating it. That was the message at half-time and we had a great chance to go on and score more goals. We scored two more in the second half; maybe we could have had more. But it’s a good win.”
Lead coach Robson was particularly happy for Mubama and his finish. The young striker netted a hat-trick for the U18s away to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, and capped a fantastic bank holiday weekend with his goal at home to Derby.
Robson continued: “I’m delighted for Divin. He’s come on a few times for us in recent weeks and every time, he’s done very well.
“I was especially pleased with his finish because he ran into the box and saw the opportunity. He’s come steaming in, slid in, and scored a real centre forward’s finish. I’m delighted he’s scored. It’s great for one of our U18s to come into the U23s and notch one on the last game of the season.”
Playing at London Stadium in front of loyal West Ham fans was a memorable way to end the campaign for the U23s, and Robson took pride in his team’s attacking outing to close the 2021/22 season.
“It's so special to end the season here,” he added. “It’s a great venue and it’s great for the lads to play here and get the experience of it. Coming to this ground has a really different feel to it and the boys will truly benefit from it.
“It’s a great learning curve for them and we’re looking forward to the opportunity to do it again next season.”
