Speaking to the club’s official website manager Terry Westley said “What a great stadium… we wanted the players to really express themselves. First half I thought we particularly did that and second half was different in terms of the grit and determination they showed when they were up against it.”
Early Chances
Fulham had the first chance of the night as a free header was fired over the bar. West Ham responded to this well by keeping the ball well and moving the ball up the pitch.
In-form Joe Powell came close to putting the Hammers in front. His first shot was pushed out by the Cottagers. Powell came in on the rebound but fired his shot over the bar.
Hollands Great Form
The first goal final came as Nathan Holland curled in a great shot from outside the box into the bottom corner which gave him the honour of scoring the first ever U23s goal at West Ham’s new home. Holland, who only joined the Hammers last month, now has three goals in three games.
Holland who was having a great run out almost doubled the Hammers’ lead from a shot which was a snapshot of his goal just before, however this time it was pushed wide.
Into the second half and the young Hammers had picked up from where they left off. Kyle Knoyle put a dangerous cross/shot in but it was pushed wide.
Dan Kemp came close to doubling the home side’s lead, however his shot rattled the bar.
Killer Blow
Fulham had a chance to get back into the game but the shot was put straight at Nathan Trott in the Hammers goal, before Conor Coventry on his debut doubled West Ham’s lead as he fired in from close range on the 90th minute.
With the full-time score of 2-0 this was a great experience for the young players and West Ham’s next game at the London Stadium will be on Tuesday 7th March.