Inigo Calderon said he was proud of his team’s efforts in their 3-1 defeat to Premier League South high-flyers West Ham on Saturday.
Remiero Moulton scored for Albion, but Irons goals from Mehmet Halim, Josh Briggs, and Tyron Akpata ensured that the hosts took all three points home.
Sahil Bashir had a header ruled out for offside – although replays appeared to show the midfielder was onside – before Halim put the hosts in front three minutes before half-time with a low drive past Lorenz Ferdinand.
The Irons added to their lead after 49 minutes when Briggs nodded in at the back post, but Moulton pulled one back with a well taken finish from a low cross into the box – the forward’s fifth goal of the Premier League South campaign.
Akpata put the result beyond doubt in the 93rd minute though, when he tucked home from ten yards.
Under-18s head coach Calderon, “It’s a difficult one because I think we had our best half of the season in the first half and that’s a big thing to say, but we created plenty of chances and absolutely dominated.
“It was a great reaction from the defeat on the Wednesday [to Chelsea]. I am at upset at the same time because, as well as we played, it was frustrating to concede just before half-time.
“The boys deserved a lot better than that. We know that we can go up against anyone in this division now and play well, but there are gaps and we found that out on Saturday. It’s been a difficult week results wise, but I am proud of the way the boys have played.”