Holland Revels In Victory At London Stadium

West Ham’s Under 23s made their London Stadium debut a night to remember with a 2-0 victory over Fulham on Monday night.

Thanks to goals from Nathan Holland and debutant Conor Coventry, the Hammers overcame their much-fancied city rivals in front of a crowd of 1,174 under the Stadium floodlights.

It was Holland who scored the first PL2 goal at London Stadium, cutting in on his right foot to finish beautifully from 20 yards, and the 18-year-old celebrated the magnitude of the moment, and the venue’s surroundings.

“I’m happy, thankfully this one hit the back of the net, I’d had a few chances before but to see it hit the back of the net and hear the crowd… it was a great feeling,” he said.

“What a stadium it is. All the lads were quite nervous but at the same time we were all so excited to get out there and play.

“It was quite surreal really, looking around and walking out onto the pitch, it was amazing We’re delighted to get the win.”

Holland became a Hammer in January, moving South from Everton, and the forward has made an immediate impact. His goal at London Stadium was his third in three appearances, and Holland paid tribute to his side, and the culture in Terry Westley’s Under 23 side.

“I’ve only been here for a month, but I’ve dealt with the move well and that’s down to the players, the staff and the surroundings,” said Holland.

“Terry and all the staff have rally showed confidence in me, and my confidence has grown, I’m grateful that the goals are coming and I’m able to play well.

“We’ve always been playing well but the results are starting to come now too, and we’re really happy with how we played, and hopefully we pleased everyone who came out to watch us.

“Terry said to us how important it was to get a result here at the Stadium, and thankfully we’ve done that and in a good manner, and in the two games to come here we can go out and do it again.”

 

West Ham's Under 23 side return to London Stadium for two further fixtures this season, facing Stoke City on Monday 7 March, and Middlesborough on Monday 10 April. For more information, keep an eye on West Ham United's website