Regan Clayton was delighted to grab another Premier League 2 goal in West Ham United U21s' 5-0 win away to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The left-back was heavily involved in the opening three goals at the Aggborough Stadium on Monday night, as the young Irons secured their seventh win in their last ten league matches.
The hosts lost their goalkeeper inside the opening 20 minutes when he was shown a red card for fouling Kamarai Swyer, before an own-goal from Kam Kandola gave West Ham the lead, turning in from a Clayton cross.
Minutes later, Clayton superbly smashed the ball into the roof of the net to give the Hammers a two-goal lead. Archie Woods and Lewis Orford accompanied the full-back on the scoresheet, as they scored their first goals for the U21s.
Clayton was delighted to help the team with a goal - his first for the U21s since a 2-2 draw with Blackburn Rovers in October - but admitted to a slight twinge of disappointment he did not score even more.
“I could have got three goals!” Clayton smiled. “Unfortunately, two of them have gone down as own goals but I’m pleased that I was able to get one.
“I could have scored again in the second half, and I looked to strike the ball across the goalkeeper, but to be fair he’s pulled off an unbelievable save. It was good for the team to score five tonight though and I’m pleased to have contributed.”
The young Hammers flew out of the blocks at the Aggborough stadium and Clayton suggested that it was crucial to respond after a defeat against Manchester City last time out.
“It was a good way to bounce back after the City game. We still took encouragement from that match even though we lost, because we played some good football, and we created lots of chances. We were able to take our chances tonight though and it was a really good result, and another much needed three points.
“We were unbelievable in the first ten minutes and Robbo told us that it the dressing room. Our passing was really good, and we created a lot of chances. They obviously then got the red card and we just continued to play as we already were. We were very professional and we took our chances when they came. In the end we probably could’ve scored even more.”
Next up for the U21s is a home test against Blackburn Rovers at the start of April.
Whilst Clayton is pleased with the Irons’ recent form, he is keen to remain focused on the upcoming matches.
“Seven wins from our last ten league games is really impressive,” Clayton reflected. “Our start to the season obviously wasn’t great but we’ve done really well in the last few months.
“The aim now is to continue this positive form into the back end of the season. We want to keep pushing up the table, we want to keep winning matches and we want to keep putting in strong performances.”
