(From the Official Site)
West Ham United's Under-18s fell to a 1-0 defeat away at Portsmouth after being only minutes away from taking home their first point of the season.
It looked like being a stale-mate in what was a frustrating game for Director of Youth Academy Tony Carr and his team, until the home side was awarded a debatable free-kick on the edge of the area.
A low left-foot shot went agonisingly under the feet of the boys in the West Ham wall and into the corner of the net.
With not many chances created by either side, it was a disappointing end to the match, which the Hammers at least deserved a share of the spoils.
"It was petering out to a 0-0 draw and I think that would have been the right result. They didn't deserve to win and we didn't deserve to lose, admits Tony
"It had been a pretty fair challenge on one of their boys, which to be fair on another day would have gone unnoticed, but they were awarded the free-kick and lucky for them, it went in."
He added: "It was the only decent shot they had on goal, but it wasn't a good game overall. They stuck 10 behind the ball, were not attacking and adventurous, so it was hard to break that down and get our football flowing. In fact, their staff came up to me afterwards and apologised for the way they approached the game."
While it has been a disappointing start by the Hammers' standards, Tony said there is enough in the team to see the corner being turned in terms of results pretty soon.
"We can do better, but it's only two games in and there's a long road ahead yet, said Tony.
"And just because you are losing games, doesn't mean you don't have good players.
We have Watford up next, at home this weekend and we go again.
"Obviously we are looking not only for our first points of the season but also our first goal. Some of the boys will be involved in reserve games as that kicks in this week.
"But while it can have an adverse effect on our matches, it can also be positive as the boys who play in the reserves might get a goal or put in a good performance and bring that into our match on the Saturday."
"The important thing is for me is to lift the team and make sure the confidence and belief is there. We are not far away from getting a result, I am sure of that."
West Ham United: Stech, O'Neill, Blackwell, Miller, N'Gala, Harvey, Stanislas, Lee, Hunt, Sears, Jeffery
Subs: Street, Ashman, Edgar (Stanislas), Fry (Jeffery), Kearns (Lee)
---------At least we all know Tony Carr will be diligent in righting the ship. Also, I'm sure the return of Jordan Spence after the Young Lions are through with he World Cup will provide a boost of morale as well as a rock in Central Defense. Now if they could start scoring....
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