Flynn Downes had high praise for the 1,600-strong travelling Claret and Blue Army after they helped West Ham United onto a 2-0 UEFA Europa Conference League round of 16 first leg win at AEK Larnaca.
AEK Arena may be 2,000 miles away from London, but the Hammers fans headed to Cyprus in numbers as their team gained a healthy advantage to take back with them for next week’s second leg.
Downes started alongside Declan Rice and Manuel Lanzini in midfield, as Michail Antonio notched the game’s two goals in a nine-minute spell before the interval.
The Brentwood-born summer arrival was thrilled to receive another opportunity on the European stage, and even more happy that his team gained the victory.
He said: “It was nice to be on the pitch and it was an unbelievable atmosphere – the travelling fans were unbelievable. I really enjoyed it, we got the win so happy days!
“They’re a good team and they don’t lose games [in their league], so we knew what to expect coming here.
“They’re good on the ball, keep possession very well and their movement is good, so we knew there would be times in the game when we didn’t have the ball, but we defended well and kept a clean sheet.
“It’s always a pleasure to play with Dec and Manu. They’re such good players so it makes it easy for me and I enjoyed every minute of it.”
Downes will, however, not be available for the second leg after picking up a booking in the second period, and his third yellow card of the Europa Conference League campaign means he will serve a one-match ban.
He is confident, though, that his side will complete the job in east London next Thursday and hopes this win can help build momentum across the competitions.
“I’m gutted to be suspended for next week, but I’ll be there as a fan cheering on the boys more than anyone,” he added.
“I think coming away from home, if you said to me we’d win 2-0 yesterday, I’d have taken it. Like I said they’re a good team who don’t lose games, so we’ve done well to get 2-0 up, get the lead and take it into next week.”
